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Weho Plastic Bag Ban Begins for Large Stores

Supermarkets, pharmacies and retail stores bigger than 10,000 square feet must stop distributing single-use plastic shopping bags.

The following is a press release from the city of West Hollywood.

The West Hollywood Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban Ordinance (Plastic Bag Ban) goes into effect for retail establishments and supermarkets of at least 10,000 square feet on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 and for retail establishments smaller than 10,000 square feet on Tuesday, August 20, 2013.

The ordinance bans single-use carryout shopping bags at the point of sale from all pharmacy, grocery, and retail stores in West Hollywood.

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The City’s Plastic Bag Ban is based on the ban currently in effect in Los Angeles County. It is similar to laws in neighboring cities, including Santa Monica, Malibu, Calabasas and Long Beach.

The purpose of the ban on single-use plastic bags is to encourage sustainability by substituting plastic bags with durable and long-lasting reusable bags and paper bags made from recycled materials; as well as reduce costs to businesses, consumers, taxpayers and the environment. A ban on single-use plastic bags eliminates a major source of litter and marine debris and helps to create local green jobs.

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Through this initiative, residents have the opportunity to personally contribute toward reducing waste in the City.

Impacted retail businesses will include the following:

  • Supermarkets and large retail establishments over 10,000 square feet
  • Small retail stores under 10,000 square feet
  • 10-cent fee for paper bags to be retained by each retailer to help cover the costs of stocking paper bags and any related outreach or promotional efforts.
  • Paper bags will be required to contain 40% post-consumer recycled content.

Exemptions include the following:

  • Customers who qualify for subsidized groceries will be exempt from the paper bag fee.
  • Light-weight plastic bags without handles for transporting produce and raw meat products to the point of sale.
  • Restaurants and other food service providers who provide plastic bags to customers for prepared take-out food intended for off-premises consumption.
  • Dry cleaners and farmers markets.

For more information, regarding the Plastic Bag Ban, please visit www.weho.org/plasticbagban.

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