Reusable bag ordinance meeting set for Oct. 17

San Mateo County’s proposed Reusable Bag Ordinance which would prohibit retailers from distributing plastic carry-out bags and mandate a minimum charge of ten cents for every recycled paper bag or reusable bag provided by retailers at checkout. Retailers would keep all revenue received from the sale of carry-out bags, and customers can avoid additional charges by bringing their own reusable bags for shopping.

On October 23, the County Board of Supervisors will make a decision on whether to adopt a reusable bag ordinance. If approved by the Board of Supervisors, the ordinance can then be approved by participating cities. Menlo Park City Council will consider the ordinance in January 2013, and if adopted, the ordinance is proposed to take effect on April 22, 2013 – Earth Day.

An informational meeting about the ordinance will be held Wednesday. Oct. 17 in Menlo Park. The meeting will be held in the Cypress Room of the Recreation Center (701 Laurel St.). The public and business owners are welcome to attend the following meetings below to participate in the process.