Resources for Testing Reusable and Paper Bags
(Source: LA County Dept of Public Works)
News
Reusable Bag Law for Eating Establishments Begins November 1
Updated Jan 16, 2025
Beginning November 1, eating establishments in Alameda County can no longer offer customers single-use plastic bags. Eating establishments can offer recycled content paper bags for free, but must charge customers at least 10 cents for reusable bags (includes thicker plastic bags).
News
Expanded Reusable Bag Law Begins May 1
Updated Jan 16, 2025
The reusable bag law has been expanded to include all stores and restaurants in the county, starting May 1, 2017 for retail stores and November 1, 2017 for restaurants and food trucks.
News
WMA Board Adopts Expanded Reusable Bag Ordinance for Alameda County
Updated Jan 16, 2025
The Alameda County Waste Management Authority approved an expanded reusable bag ordinance for Alameda County. The expanded ordinance will apply to all stores and restaurants in the county, and will go into effect on May 1, 2017 for retail stores and November 1, 2017 for restaurants.
News
Reusable Bag Ordinance expansion planned
Updated Oct 6, 2016
StopWaste is planning an expansion of the reusable bag ordinance to include all retail stores and restaurants.
News
Bag Ordinance: No increase in minimum charge
Updated Jan 16, 2025
As a result of Reusable Bag Ordinance 2012-2, people are bringing their own bags in larger quantities than expected. Data collected has shown that the ordinance not only has had a positive impact on litter reduction but on waste prevention as well.
News
Successful Results from Bag Ordinance
Updated Nov 17, 2014
Since the ordinance began in January, 2013, overall bag purchases by affected retail stores in Alameda County have declined by 85 percent.
News
Mandatory Recycling and Single-Use Bag Reduction Ordinances Adopted
Updated May 30, 2014
In January 2012, the Alameda County Waste Management Authority adopted two ordinances that will help the county achieve its long-term waste reduction goals. The mandatory recycling ordinance requires larger businesses and multifamily properties to collect recyclables. The reusable bag ordinance prohibits free distribution of single-use bags at check out in stores that sell packaged food. The laws are designed to reduce waste and litter, stimulate the local economy and create jobs.