Plastic Bag Ban in Half Moon Bay Begins on Earth Day

On Earth Day, April 22, 2013, the City of Half Moon Bay Reusable Bag Ordinance will launch, requiring that City retailers no longer provide customers with plastic carryout bags. On that day, Half Moon Bay joins other cities and counties that encourage the use of reusable bags, promoting healthier environments for citizens through the decreased use of single-use plastic bags.

“As a coastal City, it is essential for Half Moon Bay to take serious measures to protect the environment, particularly in the effort to eliminate waste entering our water system,” daid Mayor Rick Kowalczyk. “At the same time, we need to proceed cautiously and allow business owners the time they need to adapt to the new ordinance"

The "bag ban" is the result of sobering news that in California, 20 billion single-use plastic grocery bags are used every year, which end up in landfills, or as litter on land and in water.

The ban will apply to all City and County retail outlets, including grocery stores, convenience  stores, pharmacies and other shops. It does not apply to plastic bags used for restaurant food  take-outs or for produce, meats, bulk foods and prescription medicines. Shop owners are  encouraged to return any unused plastic bags to their vendors for repurposing and/or refund.

lf retail customers do not bring a reusable bag, the retailer will charge them 10-cents per paper bag until Jan. 1, 2015, after which a 25-cent per bag charge may apply.

The County has provided a 6-month grace period to help "support and educate residents and businesses as they make this transition to reusable bags," said Kowalczyk.

Shoppers using reusable bags are encouraged to practice "healthy bag habits" that include washing reusable bags regularly to remove bacteria and other potential food contaminants. Other recommendations for bag safety can be found on the City of Half Moon Bay website or the San Mateo County Health System website.

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