Starting on January 1, 2013, grocery stores and certain other food retailers in Alameda County can no longer provide single-use plastic carryout bags at checkout.

• Affected stores must charge a minimum of $0.10 per bag for each paper bag or reusable bag.

• Affected stores include grocery stores, supermarkets,  convenience stores, liquor stores,  drug stores or other entities that sell milk, bread, soda AND snack foods (all four items) and/or alcohol (Type 20 or 21 license) in Alameda County.

• Consumers may bring any type of bag to a store for their purchases, and are encouraged to do so.

• The Reusable Bag Ordinance is intended to reduce litter, keep plastic bags out of local waterways, and encourage the use of reusable bags.

Learn more about the Ordinance

FAQs for Retailers

FAQs for Shoppers

Contact us:

If you have questions about the ordinance, we'd like to help you understand the changes and get the assistance you need. Please complete our online contact form, call 510-891-6575 or email us at bags@stopwaste.org.