This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Ready With the Reusables? West Hollywood's Plastic Bag Ban Goes Into Effect
Photo by daizuoxin via Shutterstock
Shoppers in West Hollywood, be sure to bring your reusable bags the next time you shop, because the city's Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban goes into effect Wednesday, February 20. For this first-phase implementation of the ordinance, retail stores and supermarkets of at least 10,000 square feet will no longer be providing plastic bags for customers.
The ban was approved last August, and was modeled on similar bans in Los Angeles County and area cities like Santa Monica, Malibu, Calabasas, and Long Beach.
The City of West Hollywood elaborates on the reasoning behind the ban:
The purpose of the ban on single-use plastic bags is to encourage sustainability by substituting plastic bags with durable and long-lasting reusable bags and paper bags made from recycled materials; as well as reduce costs to businesses, consumers, taxpayers and the environment. A ban on single-use plastic bags eliminates a major source of litter and marine debris and helps to create local green jobs. Through this initiative, residents have the opportunity to personally contribute toward reducing waste in the City.
Retailers will charge customers 10 cents per paper bag at checkout, and the stores will retain those funds to help them pay for their paper bag supply or other promotional materials related to implementing the ordinance.
The second phase of the ban, which affects retail establishments smaller than 10,000 square feet, goes into effect Tuesday, August 20, 2013.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
