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1. When did it become effective?

A 1-year “grace period” was incorporated into the ordinance to allow retail establishments time to make necessary arrangements for compliance and to expend current stocks of plastic single-use carry-out bags. The Ordinance was adopted on August 21, 2014 and became enforceable September 19, 2015.

2. What is the purpose of this ordinance?

To prohibit retailers from providing thin film plastic single use carry out bags, free recycled paper or free reusable bags that end up as liter or waste. These bags were typically only used one time and then were discarded.

3. How is a reusable bag defined?

A “reusable bag” is defined as a bag with handles that is specifically designed and manufactured to be reused at least 125 times and that is either (1) made of cloth or other washable fabric, or, (2) made of durable, recyclable material that is at least 4 mils thick that can be cleaned or disinfected at least 125 times. A “Reusable Bag” may be made of recyclable plastic such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), or polypropylene.

4. What is considered a “single-use carry-out bag”?

“Single-use carry-out bags” are defined in the Ordinance as a bag, other than a reusable bag or recycled paper bag, provided at the check stand, cash register, point of sale, or other point of departure for the purpose of transporting food or merchandise out of the Retail Establishment.

5. What bags are not included in this?

Exempt from this ordinance are bags that do not have handles, such as those that are typically used for meat and produce within grocery stores.

6. Who does the plastic bag ordinance apply to?

These regulations apply to retail establishments that sell perishable or nonperishable goods including, but not limited to, clothing, food, and personal items but would not apply to restaurants and take-out food establishments. The Adopted Ordinance applies to “farmers’ markets” and other special events (as defined).

7. Why did the City adopt this ban?

The purpose of the Ordinance was to reduce litter and protect the natural resources of Seaside. Due to their shape and weight, these bags became windblown litter if discarded and were frequently found along local roadways, in storm drainage facilities and in local open spaces such as wetlands and riparian corridors, and ultimately found their way to the Monterey Bay and the ocean.

8. What is considered a recycled paper bag?

A “recycled paper bag” is defined as a bag that contains no old growth fiber and a minimum of 40% post-consumer recycled content, is 100% recyclable, and has printed in a highly visible manner on the outside of the bag the words “Reusable” and “Recyclable”, the name and location of the manufacturer, and the percentage of post-consumer recycled content.

9. Is there a charge for providing a reusable or recyclable bag?

Under the ordinance, retail establishments are required to charge a minimum of 10 cents ($0.10) to provide a recycled paper bag or reusable bag to a customer, with exceptions made for customers who participate in certain governmental or non-profit programs.

10. Why is there a fee?

The fee discourages the use of single use disposable bags and encourages reusable and recyclable bags.

11. Does the City keep the fee for purchase of a bag?

The City does not keep the fee. The fee is paid to the retailer to offset the cost of purchasing the bags.