Draft ordinance would bar retail single‑use plastic carryout bags and lists nine exemptions

During a presentation to the Environmental Sustainability Board, Member Shannon Blair summarized key language in the draft ordinance that would prohibit retail establishments from distributing single‑use plastic carryout bags. Blair read from the draft: "retail establishments will not provide or sell to a customer a single use plastic carryout bag or any other bag or box that is not a reusable carryout bag, recycle content carryout paper bag, or recyclable cardboard box for the purpose of carrying groceries, food, or other goods."

Blair outlined nine exemptions in section 4(b), including bags provided for loose or bulk produce, meat or fish; prepared takeout food with leakage potential; prescription or medical necessity packaging; laundry or dry‑cleaning; live animals; transport of chemicals or toxic products; newspaper protection; manufacturer packaging for display; and bags provided by food banks. The presentation noted the working group sent a draft to county legal for language adjustments and that the board had previously voted to move the draft toward public comment.

The draft also encourages — but does not mandate — a fee on recycled‑content paper bags to offset retailers’ costs and encourage reusable bag use. Board members and public commenters raised questions about enforcement mechanisms, the intended purpose of any fees and how success would be measured if adopted. The ESB ultimately voted to recommend council not adopt the draft ordinance and asked the chair to work with staff on a memo detailing the board’s concerns.