El Cerrito Checks Out Ban On Plastic Bags

City officials are considering a proposed ordinance that would limit the use of single-use paper and plastic bags and polystyrene food containers in El Cerrito.

Residents are invited to attend a public meeting at City Hall on Tuesday at 7 p.m. to learn more about the proposed ordinance and to voice their opinions on the issue. A second public meeting is scheduled for July 9.

The ordinance would "prohibit the free distribution of single-use carryout paper and plastic bags at the point of sale ... for all retail establishments except restaurants and nonprofit charitable reuse organizations." Exceptions would also be made for paper bags that include at least 40 percent recycled material, as long as the retailer charges 5 cents per bag.

Restaurants would likely be more greatly affected by a ban on polystyrene food containers. According to a description on the City of El Cerrito website, the ordinance would:

• Prohibit food providers, including the City, its contractors, renters and facilities from providing prepared food in EPS foam food ware 
• Require food providers, including the City, to use compostable, recyclable or reusable food ware when providing prepared food to customers
• Allow for exemptions from the Ordinance in cases where the ordinance would cause undue hardship, or when no suitable alternative food ware is available, and other specific cases

El Cerrito is following the lead of several Northern California cities that have considered or passed bans on single-use plastic bags. Santa Cruz County recently strengthened its ordinance against plastic bags and polystyrene food containers.

Share your opinion on the ordinance here.