Malibu Paper Bag Ordinance Charging 10 Cents to Encourage Environmental Protection

MALIBU, CA — Malibu's City Council expanded on the existing plastic bag ban, requiring retailers in the City to charge a 10 cent fee per recycled paper bag to encourage customers to stop relying on single-use bags, according to a City of Malibu press release. The expansion is meant to encourage people to switch to reusable bags in order to reduce waste and protect the environment.

“This summer, I ask everyone in Malibu to BYOB – bring your own bag,” said Mayor Skylar Peak in a statement. “The 10 cent fee for paper bags is a great way to motivate people to use re-usable shopping bags instead of single-use bags.”

The Recycled Paper Bags Cost Pass-Through Ordinance, effective April 27, requires stores to collect a minimum 10 cent fee from customers when providing a recycled paper bag. The charge on paper bags isn't subject to California State sales tax.

The stores will keep the bag fees that are collected for use in complying with the ordinance, such as "offsetting the costs of offering recyclable paper bags instead of plastic or for educational materials that encourage reusable grocery bags," the statement said.

The ordinance applies to all retail establishments, grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, vendors or nonprofit vendors. It requires that retailers charge at least 10 cents per recycled paper bag they provide, that they not rebate or reimburse customers for that fee, and that they use the funds collected for the purposes allocated by state law, the press release said.

To help businesses comply with the changes in the ordinance, the City has developed a web page with more information at www.MalibuCity.org/BagBan.

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