Why not offer plastic bags, but charge for them instead?

The goal of this ordinance is to reduce overall plastic bag use. As illustrated in other communities who have passed similar ordinances, bans are better than fees at helping us reach this goal. California law (AB2449) prohibited charging for plastic bags, however it didn’t prohibit charging for paper bags.


As a result, retailers are able to recover their cost for providing paper bags, and this small fee helps encourages customers to use reusable bags, thus also reducing the use of paper bags.

Show All Answers

1. Do plastic bags biodegrade?
2. Why not switch to paper bags?
3. Wouldn’t compostable bags solve the problem?
4. What is the City of Napa’s definition of a recycled paper bag?
5. What is the City of Napa’s definition of a reusable bag?
6. Why are reusable bags better for the environment?
7. Where can I get reusable bags?
8. Are reusable bags safe? Won’t they harbor germs?
9. What if I forget my reusable bags?
10. What if I can’t afford to purchase a reusable bag?
11. Why not offer plastic bags, but charge for them instead?
12. How can I avoid the charge?