Revisions to SF's proposed Carryout Bag Charge Ordinance

On November 16, 2010, Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi introduced changes to San Francisco’s proposed Checkout Bag Charge Ordinance.  The checkout bag ordinances were originally introduced on August 3, 2010.  The new legislation combines the plastic bag ban and checkout bag charge into one ordinance, increases the carryout bag charge from 5 cents to 10 cents, further clarifies the definition of reusable bag, and makes the 10-cent charge apply to ordinance-compliant paper and reusable bags. Summary of the legislation:

The Checkout Bag Charge Ordinance would further reduce disposable checkout bag use in San Francisco and encourage the use of reusable bags.  This would:

• Expand the plastic checkout bag ban to include all retail stores in San Francisco; and
• Require a 10-cent minimum charge on all allowed checkout bags (that the retailers keep).

Checkout bags allowed under the ordinance:

• Certified compostable plastic bags;
• Paper bags with 100% recycled content (40% post-consumer); and
• Reusable bags that are machine-washable and designed for at least 125+ uses.

The plastic checkout bag ban and checkout bag charge only applies to carryout bags distributed at checkout and does not apply to:

• bags used inside stores for bulk items, produce, or meat;
• newspaper bags; and
• laundry-dry cleaning bags.

Checkout Bag Charge Ordinance (11/16/10), legislative digest