The state Assembly voted today to send the Governor a measure that would continue a successful plastic bag recycling program, set to end this year.
Senate Bill 1219 by Senator Lois Wolk, DD-Davis, extends until Jan. 1, 2020, a state law requiring grocery stores to accept plastic bags for recycling.
"This legislation ensures that consumers will continue to have the option of returning plastic bags to their local grocery store for recycling into other products, while diverting more plastic from our landfills," Wolk said.
SB 1219 also enables the continued successful collection of other plastic products accepted by the program, including plastic bags used for bread, dry cleaning and countless other products, as well as plastic shrink wrap used by grocers. This type of plastic makes up over half of the plastic waste stream, and is recycled for use in products including bags, decking, outdoor furniture, and clothing.
Wolk's legislation would discontinue an existing law that prohibits local fees for plastic bags. The bill would not pre-empt local ordinances banning either plastic or paper single-use carryout bags.
"SB 1219 provides cities and counties the flexibility to address this issue in a manner that meets the needs of their communities," Wolk concluded.
The bill is supported by the League of California Cities, California State Association of Counties, and the Regional Council of Rural Counties.
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