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Board approves ordinance to require compostable or reusable checkout bags
Summary
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance amending the city—nvironmental code to require compostable plastic, recyclable paper or reusable checkout bags at covered stores; sponsors and supporters said the change aims to reduce petroleum-based bag waste and encourage broader recycling.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted to adopt an ordinance amending the city—nvironmental code to require stores in the city to use compostable plastic, recyclable paper or reusable checkout bags and to provide penalties for violations.
Supervisor Mercurini, the ordinance uthor, told colleagues the change "is revolutionary, and yet it's very simplistic on the face" and argued it would let residents place compostable bags in their green carts while removing nonrecyclable petroleum-based bags from widespread use.
Why it matters: the board framed the ordinance as an environmental measure aimed at cutting the waste and downstream costs associated with petroleum-based single-use bags. Supporters said the move would position San Francisco as one of the first U.S. cities to require compostable alternatives for covered retailers.
Supporters and business concerns: Supervisor Juh cautioned that about "95,000 small businesses in San Francisco" would continue to use plastic bags and urged efforts to encourage those businesses to participate in recycling and to avoid unanticipated burdens. Supervisor Alioto Peer stressed that several grocery and pharmacy chains already participate in extensive recycling efforts and highlighted programs such as battery and medication take-back as evidence major retailers can contribute to the city—nvironmental goals.
Sponsors said the measure excludes many small businesses from the new requirement and focuses on the largest grocery and pharmacy-format stores, while allowing time for implementation and program adjustments.
The vote: the clerk called the roll and the ordinance was recorded as submitted and adopted.
Looking ahead: backers said they expect other cities to follow San Francisco if the ordinance proves feasible, and they urged continued collaboration with impacted retailers and the Department of the Environment on implementation details.
