Plastic Bag Ban Approaches

Effective October 17, 2014, a City ordinance will prohibit Novato grocery stores and pharmacies from providing plastic bags at checkout and will require retailers to charge 10 cents for each paper bag requested.

It is estimated that Novato retailers give out nearly 28 million plastic carry-out bags annually—or 540 bags per person in Novato.

Plastic bags collect in storm drains, along roadways and in creeks and bay lands—costing tax dollars to remove and causing significant impact to wildlife and the environment.

With this ordinance in place, the City hopes to reduce plastic bag use by 95%.

--Information from City of Novato