Bags get sacked

A measure passed by the state Legislature on Friday (Aug. 29) would enact the first statewide ban of single-use plastic bags in the country.

Authored by Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima), Senate Bill 270 would allow grocers to charge 10 cents for a paper bag or reusable plastic bag, according to the Los Angeles Times. More than 100 California cities and counties, including Chico, already have adopted similar bans intended to reduce litter.

This past spring, the Chico City Council voted to prohibit grocery stores from offering single-use plastic carryout bags. Large retailers with grocery components must comply by Jan. 1. Smaller retailers that sell alcohol would have an additional year to comply.

If signed by Brown, the statewide ban will go into effect on July 1, 2015, for grocery stores and pharmacies, and a year later for convenience and liquor stores.