Steamboat’s ban on plastic bags will soon be expanded

In Steamboat, plastic bag fees and bans are no longer new issues, but upcoming state legislation will expand those policies to the majority of the town’s retail establishments.

Tuesday, November 15, City Council unanimously passed an ordinance meant to align the city’s policies on single-use plastic bags with state regulations included in a house bill that was passed in 2021.

“Steamboat Springs gave plastic the sack and now Colorado as a whole is doing the same through the Plastic Pollution Reduction Act,” the city’s Special Project and Intergovernmental Services Manager Winnie DelliQuadri wrote in a news release.

Source: CBS News

As the city passed restrictions on plastic bags in 2019, much of the groundwork had already been done, therefore, the ordinance council authorized just needed a few changes to bring municipal laws into compliance with state regulations.

In “large markets” which are classified as establishments larger than 10,000 square feet, such as Safeway and City Market, plastic bags are already prohibited. These businesses pay the city a 20-cent tax for each paper bag used. 

Source: SteamboatToday.com

Data from the city shows that the four major markets in the area used 85% fewer single-use throwaway bags after the plastic bag ban and paper bag tax went into effect. The state law, however, mandates that all retailers begin collecting at least 10 cents every paper or plastic single-use carryout bag used and sending at least 60% of the cost to the city as of the start of the next year. The city decided to set the price at 20 cents per bag in line with the city’s current policy for big markets since local plastic bag tax rules are permitted to be more stringent than state regulations. The fee will apply to all Steamboat stores including grocery stores, restaurants, farmers markets, roadside market of stands, festivals and other temporary vendors or an event that includes temporary vendors.

The state law would thereafter prohibit single-use plastic bags in all food retail stores by 2024, with the exception of restaurants. However, eateries are still subject to the 20-cent tax. Styrofoam containers, which are often used for carryout meals, will no longer be allowed anywhere, including restaurants. The first offense of a violation of these rules will result in a formal warning, and the second and subsequent offenses will result in fines of $50 and $100, respectively. The third offense following a warning necessitates a mandatory court appearance and the imposition of the court’s chosen punishments. However, local governments are prohibited by state law from enforcing penalties against retail food businesses that are inside of school.

Now that the plastic bag legislation has been formally adopted, the municipal staff aims to participate in public outreach.

TLPPACKAGING FOR SHOPPING BAGS