Menlo Park Reusable Bag Ordinance - Public Survey

Twenty four cities in San Mateo and Santa Clara County, including Menlo Park, are considering adopting San Mateo County’s Reusable Bag Ordinance. The ordinance would prohibit disposable plastic carry-out bags at all retail establishments and mandate a minimum charge of ten cents for every recycled paper bag or reusable bag provided by the retailer at checkout. Retailers would retain 100% of the revenue from selling carry-out bags at check-out, and customers could avoid the additional charges by bringing their own reusable bags when shopping.

The ordinance will be presented to Menlo Park City Council in January 2013 for their vote. If adopted by Menlo Park City Council, the ordinance will likely take effect on April 22, 2013 – Earth Day.