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BACKGROUND <br /> Reusable Bag Ordinance 2012-2 went into effect January 2013 and applies to 1,300 <br /> grocery, drug and liquor stores in Alameda County that traditionally distribute a high <br /> volume of single-use bags. The ordinance promotes the use of reusable bags to prevent <br /> waste from happening in the first place, as well as reducing litter and keeping plastic bags <br /> out of local waterways. <br /> As of January 1, 2013, affected stores were required to only distribute compliant reusable <br /> bags or bags made of recycled content paper and only if the store charged a minimum <br /> price of 10 cents per bag, itemized on the receipt. Since implementation, the reusable <br /> bag ordinance has had dramatic results: <br /> 1. Overall bag purchases by affected Alameda County retail stores have declined <br /> by 85 percent. <br /> 2. The number of shoppers bringing a reusable bag, or not using a bag at all, has <br /> more than doubled. <br /> 3. A 44 percent decrease in plastic bags found in Alameda County Storm drains. <br /> 4. Stores are participating with a compliance rate of 90 percent. <br /> The following is a timeline of relevant milestones to date: <br /> January 2012--Reusable Bag Ordinance 2012-2 adopted by WMA Board. The ordinance <br /> covers approximately 1300 stores that sell packaged food and liquor. The Board stated it <br /> would consider possible expansion of the ordinance at a later time, once effectiveness of <br /> the original ordinance was determined. <br /> January 2013--Ordinance became effective in all Alameda County jurisdictions. Single- <br /> use plastic bags no longer available at stores that sell milk, bread, soda, and snack foods <br /> as well and/or liquor. A minimum of 10 cents must be charged for each paper bag or <br /> reusable bag distributed at point of sale, itemized on receipt. <br /> September 2014--WMA Board finds that ordinance has achieved its goal to substantially <br /> reduce environmental impacts. <br /> October 2014--MA Board approved process for expansion activities; directed staff to <br /> further develop budget and scope for potential expansion of the ordinance. Waste <br /> Management Authority (WMA) supported the need for buy in from all member agencies <br /> that participate in the current ordinance. <br /> March 2015--Alameda County Clean Water Program committed $180,000 in funding <br /> support for expansion of ordinance to a larger set of stores. <br /> July 2015--WMA committed additional funding and staff hours to conduct research and <br /> stakeholder outreach relating to ordinance expansion activities. <br /> Page 2 of 4 <br />