Get Prepared: Store Checklist

Read the ordinance and become familiar with it.

Review the Stores' Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for more information regarding the ordinance.

Complete the online mandatory Self-Certification Form and submit it February 28, 2014.

Plan to deplete your supply of single-use PLASTIC carryout bags by your store’s compliance date - May 14 or November 14, 2014 (see above).

Stock up on paper bags with at least 40% post-consumer recycled content with no old-growth fiber and make sure you have the following information printed on the bags:

1. Name of the manufacturer.
2. Location (country) where the bag was manufactured.
3. Percentage of postconsumer recycled material (must be a minimum of 40%) used.
4. The word “Recyclable” displayed in a highly visible manner on the outside of the bag.

Program your registers to show a 10-cent charge for each paper bag as a separate item on the sales receipt. Confirm with the State Board of Equalization to determine if the paper bag charge is subject to sales tax.

Maintain onsite records of your company’s sale of paper bags (as of your store’s compliance date) in order to complete the mandatory annual report. You should be tracking the total number of paper bags provided to customers, the total amount of monies collected for all paper bags distributed and any store efforts to promote the use of reusable bags to customers.