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Colorado Statewide Rule

Colorado Plastic Pollution Reduction Act Bag Ban

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Colorado (2026)

Key Facts

Plastic Pollution
Plastic Pollution Reduction Act effective January 2024
Codified CRS
Codified at CRS 25-17-505
Fees/Costs
10-cent fee on paper bags split between cities and stores
Small businesses
Small businesses with three or fewer locations exempt
Restrictions
Local governments may enact stricter bans
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Colorado General Assembly

Summary

Colorado banned single-use plastic carryout bags and polystyrene foam containers statewide under the Plastic Pollution Reduction Act, fully effective in 2024.

25-17-504. Restrictions on use of single-use plastic carryout bag - inventory exception. (1) Subject to section 25-17-505 (1), on and after January 1, 2024, a store or retail food establishment shall not provide a single-use plastic carryout bag to a customer; except that a retail food establishment need not comply with this section if the retail food establishment: (a) Prepares or serves food in individual portions for immediate on- or off-premises consumption; and (b) Is not a grocery store or convenience store. (2) Repealed.

Source: Colorado General AssemblyView official code

Full Breakdown

House Bill 21-1162 created the Plastic Pollution Reduction Act, codified in part at CRS 25-17-505. Beginning January 1, 2024, large retailers and grocery stores may not provide single-use plastic carryout bags. Recycled paper bags carry a 10-cent fee, with revenue split between retailers and municipalities for waste reduction programs. Small stores with three or fewer Colorado locations and farmers markets are exempt. The law also preempted prior state preemption, allowing cities to enact stricter bans. Enforcement is handled at the local level.

Violations & Penalties

First violation results in a written warning; second violations carry $250 fines, and subsequent violations rise to $500 per occurrence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for paper bags in Colorado?
Yes. Recycled paper bags at large retailers carry a 10-cent fee, with revenue funding local recycling and waste programs.
Are small Colorado businesses required to follow the bag ban?
No. Stores with three or fewer Colorado locations and farmers markets are exempt unless their city imposes stricter rules.

Sources

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