Although enforcement will not begin until July, Pinole businesses will no longer be allowed to use single-use plastic bags or plastic foodware starting Jan. 1.
Enforcement on the new ban, adopted as an ordinance earlier this year, is being delayed to give businesses time to adjust and so they can receive free technical assistance from the city.
As part of Pinole’s ordinance, retail businesses must stop distributing disposable plastic bags. If they’re using paper or fiber bags, they must be 100 percent compostable or recyclable and include a minimum 15-cent fee per bag.
Food service businesses must also stop using petroleum-based or compostable plastic foodware (e.g., bioplastics, PLA) and switch to compostable options made from natural fibers (such as wood, bamboo, or paper), per the city ordinance. The city strongly encourages reusable foodware for dine-in services.
“From shopping bags to takeout containers, the switch to reusable and sustainable options will make for a cleaner, greener community,” city officials said.
Richmond, San Pablo and El Cerrito have already imposed similar bans.
Learn more about the ordinance here.
