LA Public Works Board Approves Plastic, Paper Bag Ban

Los Angeles - The Board of Public Works voted unanimously today to ban the use of plastic and paper bags at grocery and certain retail stores in Los Angeles.

More than 20 people testified on the proposal, split between supporters and opponents. Supporters argued that plastic bags are one of the worst pollutants in the city's waterways and Pacific Ocean.

Officials estimate more than 2 billion single-use plastic bags and about 400 million paper bags are used each year in the city.

Opponents said plastic bags are often recycled and the problems they cause do not rise to the degree of requiring a ban.

The state has reported that less than 5 percent of plastic bags and less than 20 percent of paper bags are recycled.

Similar bans are in place in Long Beach, Santa Monica, West Hollywood and unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.

"The board's support of this ban is a responsible action in the right direction to reduce litter and move the city towards zero waste," Commission President Andrea Alarcon said.

Alarcon said the ban is also in the city's economic interest "because it will help to save the city funds being used for clean up and land-filling of these types of bags."

The ban is likely to apply to retail stores with more than 10,000 square feet of space that generates sales tax and have a licensed pharmacy. Supermarkets that gross more than $2 million would also be included.

The city estimates nearly 2,000 grocery stores or supermarkets and 7,500 retail stores would fall under the ban.

Stores would also be required to sell reusable bags.

Locations repeatedly cited for violating the bag could be fined up to $500 per day they are in violation.

The vote allows the Bureau of Sanitation to begin an environmental review of the policy. It asks the City Attorney to draft an ordinance, which will need the approval of the City Council and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.