SACRAMENTO – (INT) – California’s proposed ban on plastic bags is nearing reality.

State legislators have given final approval to a bill that would phase out single-use plastic bags in California grocery stores, convenience stores, liquor stores and pharmacies. Final consideration now rests with Governor Brown.

More than 100 local municipalities have already banned plastic bags or are in the process of doing so.

Each year more than 14 billion single-use plastic bags are handed out by retailers. According to the US EPA, 88% of plastic bags and sacks are not recycled. In California, only 3% are recycled, according to CalRecycle.

The plastics industry has been fiercely opposed to the legislation.

The proposed law (SB 270) will:

• Prohibit, beginning July 1, 2015, grocery stores and pharmacies from making available single-use plastic bags.
If paper bags are offered to customers, they would have to include recycled content.

• Prohibit, beginning July 1, 2016, convenience stores and liquor stores from making available single-use plastic
bags.

• Grandfather in existing local ordinances.

• Provide up to $2 million in competitive loans to businesses transitioning to the manufacture of reusable bags.

Story Date: September 7, 2014