PRESS RELEASE
State-Mandated Plastic Pollution Reduction Rules become effective January 1, 2023
Contact: Wonder Martell, Deputy City Clerk (303) 567-4421 x111, cityclerk@idahospringsco.com
Idaho Springs, Colorado – November 28, 2022.
On July 6th, 2021, the General Assembly of the State of Colorado enacted House Bill 21-1162, the
“Plastic Pollution Reduction Act.”
Beginning January 1, 2023, if a recycled paper carryout bag or a single-use plastic carryout bag is
furnished by an eligible store to a customer, the store is required to charge a fee of at least 10
cents per bag.
Beginning January 1, 2024, stores may only furnish a recycled paper carryout bag to customers at
the point of sale and must charge a fee of at least 10 cents per bag. This fee does not apply to
customers who participate in federal or state food assistance programs.
The Act does not apply to materials used in the packaging of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices
or dietary supplements, or any equipment or materials used to manufacture pharmaceutical drugs,
medical devices or dietary supplements.
Retail food establishments and “small stores” are currently exempt from this bag fee. A small
store, as per definition in this State Mandated Bill, must meet all three of the following
criteria:
1. Operates solely in Colorado
2. Operates three or fewer locations
3. Cannot be part of a franchise, corporation, or partnership that has a physical location outside
of Colorado.
Examples of stores within Idaho Springs where the bag fee rules will apply include Safeway, Jenny’s
Market, and Kum and Go.
Beginning April 1, 2024, stores must remit 60% of their collected bag fee revenue to the local
jurisdiction within which they are located, and stores are able to keep the remaining 40%. Local
jurisdictions may use this bag fee revenue to pay for their administrative and enforcement costs
and for any recycling, composting, or other waste diversion programs or related outreach or
education activities.
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