Plastic Bag Rules: Berkeley vs Sunol
How do plastic bag rules rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Sunol, CA?
Berkeley and Sunol have similar restriction levels.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Berkeley bans thin single-use plastic carryout bags and requires retailers to charge at least 25 cents for each reusable or recycled paper bag provided at checkout, exceeding California SB 270 baseline.
View full Berkeley rules →Sunol, CA
Alameda County
California prohibits grocery stores and large retailers from providing single-use plastic carryout bags under Public Resources Code 42280-42288, enacted by SB 270 (2014) and ratified as Proposition 67 in 2016. Recycled paper or reusable bags require a 10-cent minimum charge.
View full Sunol rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Sunol |
|---|---|---|
| Bag charge | 25 cents minimum | - |
| State floor | SB 270 sets 10 cents | - |
| Code | BMC Chapter 11.60 | - |
| Exempt | SNAP and WIC customers | - |
| Statute | - | Pub Res 42280-42288 |
| Enacting Law | - | SB 270 (2014) |
| Voter Ratification | - | Prop 67 (2016) |
| Paper Bag Charge | - | 10 cents minimum |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Are produce bags banned too?
Thin produce bags inside the store are still allowed for unwrapped fruits, vegetables, and meats. The ban targets carryout bags handed out at the checkout in Berkeley.
Why is Berkeley's bag fee higher than the state?
Local governments can set higher minimums than SB 270's 10 cents. Berkeley chose 25 cents to discourage paper-bag use and encourage truly reusable bags.
Sunol FAQ
Are single-use plastic bags banned in California?
Yes. Public Resources Code 42280-42288 prohibits covered stores from distributing single-use plastic carryout bags statewide. SB 1053 (2024) extends restrictions to thicker reusable plastic bags by 2026.
Why do California stores charge for paper bags?
State law requires a minimum 10-cent charge for recycled paper or reusable bags at checkout to encourage shoppers to bring their own bags.
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