Plastic Bag Reduction FAQ 2013-2-19

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Frequently Asked Questions & Answers 1. How much does a business charge per plastic checkout bag? Each business decides how much to charge for a plastic bag. 2. Where does the money go that the business charges for the plastic checkout bag? Each business makes this decision. They can keep the money to offset the costs of the bags or they can donate to a charity. The County does not receive any of these monies. 3. Is the money charged for the plastic checkout bag given to a charity? This decision is to be determined by each business. 4. Does a business have to show a charge for the plastic bags on the customer receipts? Yes. Businesses must have a method to verify that they are charging for the plastic checkout bags. 5. How does the plastic checkout bag charge affect my taxes? Is it subject to taxes and revenue? Businesses should consult with their accountant or tax attorney. 6. Is this law a total plastic bag ban? No. This is a plastic bag reduction law; not a ban. The purpose of the law is to reduce the number of single use plastic bags by prohibiting their distribution at store checkouts and encourage the usage of reusable bags. The law provides for permissible plastic bags (without handles) for retail items such as meat, produce, bulk food items, garments and prescription drugs. 7. Can I, as a shopper, be fined for using a plastic checkout bag? No, this law is applicable only to businesses. Consumers are encouraged to shop with reusable bags and are not subject to any penalties or enforcement from the County. 8. Is a non - profit agency able to produce plastic bags and give them to any retailer for the retailer to hand out for free? No. If the non-profit is using the plastic bags for checkout, they do not need to charge a fee. If a business is using the plastic bag for checkout, they are required to charge a fee. The source of the plastic bag does not affect this rule. 9. Is a merchant able to charge a single customer $0.01 for 10 or more plastic checkout bags? Technically, yes. As stated in the answer to FAQ No. 1, each business decides how much to charge for a plastic checkout bag. However, this practice is discouraged. Also, the law only allows this option for the first year. Starting January 17, 2014, plastic checkout bags are not permissible. Customers should check with each business to find out how much each bag costs. 10. What kind of bags are retailers allowed to provide to customers? Businesses and retail establishments may provide a plastic checkout bag but must charge a fee during the first year of the law. They may also provide paper bags or reusable bags and the decision to charge a fee for these types of bags and how much is up to each business. 11. Is it okay if customers bring plastic bags to the store to reuse? This decision would be made by the business or retailer. The law does not restrict consumers or customers from doing so. Whether or not a business provides a "rebate" for customer-provided plastic or reusable bags is a decision for each business. Updated February 19, 2013 Page 2 of 3