As we ring in the new year tonight, Los Angeles will become the largest city in the nation to ban single-use plastic carryout bags. Councilmember Bob Blumenfield has been working to raise awareness ahead of the ban, and encourage shoppers to use reusable bags. 

Councilmember Bob Blumenfield bags groceries at Vons Supermarket in Canoga Park on December 20, 2013.

Starting January 1, 2014, large grocery stores and pharmacies in the City of Los Angeles will no longer be able to provide customers with single-use plastic carryout bags and will charge $0.10 for each paper carryout bag requested by the customer. On July 1, 2014, small retailers that sell groceries will need to meet the same requirements. 

In December, Councilmember Blumenfield spent a morning bagging groceries at Vons in Canoga Park to raise awareness about the upcoming ban, and encourage shoppers to use reusable plastic bags. Reusable bags are an environmentally-friendly alternative to paper and plastic bags. They can be used many times and aren’t likely to end up as pollution.

Councilmember Bob Blumenfield talks with a young shopper at Vons Supermarket in Canoga Park on December 20, 2013.

Plastic bags litter our neighborhoods and beaches. Plastic bags also enter the ocean & river through the storm drain system, threatening marine life that get tangled in them or mistake them for food. As an Assemblymember, Blumenfield was a cosponsor of legislation that would ban single-use plastic bags across the state.

Reusable bags are widely available for purchase at select retail stores and markets. Vons and Pavilions stores across the city are distributing over 40,000 free reusable bags while supplies last. Placards are also on display in stores to inform customers of the impending ban and remind them to bring reusable bags when they shop. 

While supplies last, residents can also pick up a reusable plastic bag at Councilmember Bob Blumenfield's Reseda Office at 19040 Vanowen St. 

Councilmember Bob Blumenfield bags groceries at Vons Supermarket in Canoga Park on December 20, 2013. Los Angeles' ban on single-use plastic bags goes in to effect on January 1, 2014.

For questions regarding LA’s Bag Ordinance please contact the City of LA: [email protected] or (213) 485-2260 or at www.lacitysan.org/solid_resources/recycling/SingleUse_FAQ.htm