How to use plasticbaglaws.org
Plastic bag manufacturers are engaged in a well funded battle to maintain an unregulated marketplace for their product. Cities generally lack the funding and central organization available to the industry and are faced with a steep learning curve regarding the complexities of plastic bag laws, which is often accompanied by the threat of litigation. In an effort to facilitate research for cities and states interested in adopting plastic bag laws, we have compiled the text of laws, related CEQA litigation, and relevant studies. Our hope is that having this information available in one place will lead to the adoption of more plastic bag laws. Our current focus is on encouraging state and local legislation in California.
Viable policy options include:
- bans on single-use carryout bags
- fees for single-use carryout bags
- second generation plastic bag bans in California
- credits for bags supplied by the customer
A short history of plastic bag laws in California
California state law (AB 2449) preempts municipalities from charging a fee for plastic bags at checkout. San Francisco circumvented this law by enacting a ban on plastic bags instead of imposing a fee. (read more . . .)
Save the Plastic Bag Coalition v. City of Manhattan Beach, et al.
The City of Manhattan Beach won in the California Supreme Court! Click here for the briefs and case information and here for a summary of the oral argument.
