City of Menlo Park holds informational meeting on Reusable Bag Ordinance on Dec. 12
The City of Menlo Park is considering adopting San Mateo County’s 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 these carry-out bags, and customers could avoid additional charges by bringing their own reusable bags for shopping.
Before the ordinance is considered by City Council in January 2013, one final meeting will be held to provide information about the proposed ordinance, gather feedback, and show the award-winning documentary Bag It, which investigates the impacts of plastic bags on waterways, oceans, and our health. The feedback gathered at the meeting will be included in staff reports to Council and may be used to assist with minimizing immediate impacts to businesses and residents. If adopted by City Council, the ordinance is proposed to take effect on April 22, 2013 – Earth Day.
The information meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 12, starting at 6:30 pm; the movie starts at 7:15 pm. It will be held in the Cypress Room of the Arillaga Recreation Center, 701 Laurel St., in Menlo Park.
If you cannot attend, you can provide input by filling out an online survey at by December 18, 2012. For more information, please call the City of Menlo Park Environmental Programs at (650) 330-6740, or email recycle@menlopark.org.
