Town of Truckee Stakeholder Committee Meeting Three: Deciding the Details

Welcome Overview of Meeting Two – Direction selected: Ban on Plastic, Charge on Paper – Stores affected: All Retail, Grocery/Pharmacy and Convenience stores Meeting Three- Deciding the details Anticipated Meeting Four- Review draft ordinance and develop education and outreach strategies – Wednesday September 25, 5:30pm

Updated: Truckee Thursday Survey Final Results Total Survey Participants: 344

Affected Stores, Customers, Events Farmers Markets? Special Events? Non-Profit Thrift Stores? “Non-Profit Charitable Reusers” – Recommended exempt Restaurants? – Recommended exempt due to litigation Individuals receiving WIC, EBT, SNAP free bag? – No reference (Mandatory charge for these individuals) – May (allows stores to choose) – Must (not recommended due to litigation)

Definitions "Reusable bag" means either a bag made of cloth or other machine washable fabric that has handles, or a durable plastic bag with handles that is at least 2.25 mil thick and is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse. Or "Reusable bag" means a bag with handles that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse and meets all of the following requirements: (1) has a minimum lifetime of 125 uses and means the capability of carrying a minimum of 22 pounds 125 times over a distance of at least 175 feet; (2) has a minimum volume of 15 liters; (3) is machine washable or capable of being cleaned and disinfected; (4) does not contain lead, cadmium, or any other heavy metal in toxic amounts as defined by applicable State and Federal standards and regulations for packaging or reusable bags; (5) has printed on the bag, or on a tag that is permanently affixed to the bag, the name of the manufacturer, the location (country) where the bag was manufactured, a statement that the bag does not contain lead, cadmium, or any other heavy metal in toxic amounts, and the percentage of postconsumer recycled material used, if any; and (6) if made of plastic, is a minimum of at least 2.25 mils thick. – Based on the EcoLogo ATP standard test

Charge Amount for Paper Bags $.10 minimum for Paper Bags $.10 minimum for Paper Bags progressing to $.25 minimum after a year – “minimum” charge recommended so stores can choose if their paper bags will cost more $.10 minimum for Paper and Reusable Bags (sold at check-out) $.10 minimum for Paper and Reusable Bags progressing to $.25 minimum after a year – minimum charge on reusable bags would only be for reusable bags sold at check-out NOT for bags brought into the store. Other charge amount Allow promotional dates for stores to giveaway reusable bags – “A Store may provide a Reusable Bag at no charge if it is distributed as part of an infrequent and limited time promotion. An infrequent and limited time promotion shall not exceed a total of 90 days in any consecutive 12 month period.” – Recommended to include “promotional giveaways” if reusable bag is included in a minimum charge

Bag Exceptions to ban/charge Will these bags be exempt from a charge? Will (artwork, tire, garment) plastic bags be banned? Artwork Bags Tire Bags Garment Bags (dry cleaning) “Gift Bags” Others? – Newspaper, hardware, product/produce bags, pharmacy bags – Typically exempt in other ordinances

What is a gift bag?

Gift Bag Will gift bags be treated differently than single- use and reusable bags? – Will gift bags be subject to a fee? – Will gift bags be defined as a single-use, reusable bag or differently? What will the definition be of gift bags? Loose definition of a Gift Bag: – A bag designed specifically for gift giving and has the ability to be used multiple times for that purpose. Gift bags are not bags used to transport goods from a store with no purpose other than transportation of goods.

Implementation After adoption how long before the ordinance will take effect? 6 months 12 months 6 months for larger, 12 months for smaller – How will we define what is “large” and what is “small”? Other

Record Keeping and Reporting Separate Itemization of paper bags on receipt? – Typical in all ordinances Require Stores to report # paper and # reusable bags sold? – Annually – Semi-Annually OR Businesses required to maintain records of the # of paper and reusable bags sold and available for inspection for three years from date?

Violations The distribution of any banned bag or any bag not incompliance with the specifications outlined. Non-collection of the mandatory charge or the issuing of a credit, rebate or refund of the charge. Non-compliance with record keeping and or reporting requirements. Everyday a violation occurs is considered a separate violation. Other definition of a violation?

Enforcement Complaint Driven, enforced by the Town’s Code Enforcement Officer utilizing the guidelines established under the municipal code. – Letter of non-compliance and opportunity for corrective action – $100 fine – $200 fine – $500 fine OR Complaint driven, enforced by the Town’s Code Enforcement Officer utilizing a specific fine schedule as defined by stakeholders.

Other Provide an exemption policy for businesses that demonstrate legitimate hardship to be exempt from ordinance for a one year period? – The City Manager, or the manager’s designee, may exempt a retail establishment from the requirement set forth in Section of this chapter for a one-year period upon the retail establishment showing, in writing, that this chapter would create an undue hardship or practical difficulty not generally applicable to other persons in similar circumstances. The decision to grant or deny an exemption shall be in writing, and the City Manager or the manager’s designee’s decision shall be final. Provide exemption for Gift Bags for review by Town? – Plastic gift bags exempt from ban? – Fee charged for gift bags? Anything else?

Next Meeting Review draft Ordinance as prepared by staff containing the decisions from this meeting Discuss Education and Outreach strategies – How will we measure success (before & after)? – Come up with a timeline for Outreach activities – Come prepared with fun ideas!!