As a result of Reusable Bag Ordinance 2012-2, people are bringing their own bags in larger quantities than expected. Data collected has shown that the ordinance not only has had a positive impact on litter reduction but on waste prevention as well. There is an impressive decrease in the number of paper and plastic bags going home with consumers which translates into saving more resources than originally anticipated.

The data compiled by staff demonstrates that the ordinance has been effective and met the intended goals of:

• Significant reduction in the use of single use bags
• Considerable increase in the use of reusable bags
• Positive environmental impacts including:
  
  • Greenhouse Gas reduction
  • Waste reduction
  • Resource conservation

As a result, at the September 17, 2014 Joint Board meeting of the Alameda County Waste Management Authority and the Recycling Board, the Authority Board found that the Reusable Bag Ordinance substantially reduced the environmental impacts of single-use bags. Under the terms of the ordinance, making this finding meant that the minimum price per compliant bag will not increase from 10 cents to 25 cents on January 1, 2015.

For more information, a copy of the Board memo can be here.