Plastic Sandbags Once Again Banned In Malibu

MALIBU, CA – The use of plastic sandbags is once again banned in Malibu after the ban was temporarily lifted after the storms that followed the Woolsey Fire, the City of Malibu announced Monday. The ordinance was initially passed in May 2017 in order to protect the environment from plastic pollution, the city said.

When several heavy storms came through the area immediately after the Woolsey Fire, the plastic sandbag ban was temporarily lifted, as is allowed under the ordinance. There was an immediate increased need for sandbags to enable residents to protect their homes from flooding, mud or debris flows, especially in the burn area, the press release said.

The plastic sandbag ban has been restored and is in effect since the emergency conditions have passed, the city said.

"Burlap or jute sandbags can provide the same erosion and flooding protection as plastic sandbags, but do not have the same environmental impact," the Malibu press release said. "Plastic sandbags do not readily degrade and can release plastic pollution into the environment."

City Manager Reva Feldman sent a letter on February 26 to Caltrans, LA County Public Works and Fire Departments, Southern California Gas Company, Southern California Edison and other agencies notifying them that plastic sandbags may no longer be used or distributed within the Malibu city limits, and any inventories of plastic sandbags should be removed from their Malibu locations, the city said.

For more information on the sandbag ordinance, click here. To report plastic sandbags being used or distributed, or remnants of plastic sandbags that were previously used, contact the City Code Enforcement Officer at 310-456-2489 ext. 484 or email DCleavenger@malibucity.org.