Why Restrict plastic bags?

• Single-use plastic carryout bags contribute substantially to litter of waterways both in the Bay Area and worldwide. Federal, State and Local government’s efforts to address the problem over several decades have failed to reduce the build-up of plastic debris in the marine environment.
• Single-use plastic carryout bags do not degrade in the marine environment for many years and have been found to substantially affect marine life.
• Even with the emphasis on recycling of plastics in the last several decades, the plastic carryout bag recycling rate remains at approximately 5%.
• Reusable carryout bags are considered worldwide to be the best option to reduce waste and litter, protect wildlife and conserve resources. Reusable bags have lower associated greenhouse gas emissions. They are readily available and are affordable for the consumer.
• Plastic bag bans and per bag fee assessments have been enacted by a number of communities around the world. Bans and fee assessments have dramatically reduced the use of plastic bags.
  

Palo Alto Plastic Bag Restrictions

• 4/28/08 Staff Report
• Draft Reusable Bag Ordinance
• Draft CEQA Documentation
• 3/17/08 Staff Report
• Single Use Bag Analysis