1. Why are single use plastic bags such a big deal?

Single use plastic bags present an environmental burden on society. Most "free" plastic or paper bag are used for 12 minutes before being released as pollution into the environment or as waste into the landfill. Since single use plastic bags are lightweight, they easily become airborne. They tend to be blown around and caught in trees, bushes, and fences, as well as getting caught in storm drains which can cause flooding issues. Bags that are caught on land cause a significant eyesore but also cause harm to the plants that ensnare them as well as animals which may become tangled in the bags or mistake them for food or nesting material.

2. Can I use my own carryout bag?

Yes

3. What can I use as a carryout bag?

Anything you can safely carry your groceries with, including: reusable bags, baskets, and boxes, for example.

4. What if I don’t want to buy/bring a reusable bag or purchase a paper bag?

If you can comfortably carry your paid purchases out by hand, that is one option; or you can repackage your goods into a shopping cart or basket and unload them directly into your vehicle (and then return the cart or basket).

5. Which stores may be affected by a reusable bag ordinance?

If adopted by City Council;

o July 1, 2013: Effective July 1, 2013, self-service retail stores that sell a line of dry grocery, canned goods, or nonfood items and some perishable items such as:

? Supermarkets
? Grocery Stores


o January 1, 2014: Effective July 1, 2014, retail stores engaged in a limited line of goods such as:

? Pharmacies
? Home improvement stores
? Convenience stores
? Farmer’s markets
? Liquor stores

6. Which retailers are not required to participate?

o Restaurants
o Take-out food establishments

7. What is the 10-cent charge used for?

All monies collected by a store from this Ordinance will be retained by the store and may be used for compliance with the Ordinance.