On December 4, 2013, the Arcata City Council voted to prohibit the distribution of single-use carryout bags and regulate the use of recyclable paper carryout bags in Arcata retail establishments. Since-use plastic bags litter our streets, waterways, and shoreline. They do not easily biodegrade and are a persistent pollutant. The City of Arcata aims to decrease the use of single-use bags and promote the use of reusable bags.
This ordinance does not apply to restaurants. To view the official ordinance, click here.
Ordinance Provisions
Effective February 4, 2013:
Retail stores may no longer provide plastic single-use carryout bags to customers and paper bags must contain a minimum of 40% post-consumer recycled content and be 100% recyclable.
Effective August 1, 2014:
Retail stores may make recyclable paper bags for customer use upon purchase at a minimum charge of $0.10. Revenue from this charge is retained by the retail store. Customers are allowed and encouraged to bring their own reusable bags or purchase reusable bags from retail stores.
Environmental Documentation
Initial Study and Negative Declaration