In January 2012, the Alameda County Waste Management Authority adopted an ordinance to reduce the use of single-use carryout bags and promote the use of reusable bags. As of January 1, 2013, grocery stores and other stores in Alameda County that sell packaged food can no longer provide single-use plastic carryout bags, nor can they distribute paper bags or reusable bags for free at checkout.

Single-use carryout bags are bags provided at check-out for transporting food or merchandise out of the store. Affected stores are those in Alameda County selling packaged food. Consumers have the option to bring their own bags or pay for bags made from recycled paper or reusable bags.

Plastic bags are one of the most common litter items found in our waterways. A reusable bag can replace more than 600 single-use plastic bags over its lifetime. Shopping with reusable bags helps reduce litter and waste, protects creeks and the bay, and conserves natural resources.

For more information, please visit ReusableBagsAC.org.