What Does Sacramento's Plastic Bag Ban Mean For You?

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — With a new plastic bag ban approved in Sacramento, many residents were left with questions on how it will impact them.

Erin Treadwell with the city's recycling and solid waste division says you won't necessarily have to buy a bag.

"You can carry goods out by yourself in your arms or bring your own bags in, but you will not be required to buy a bag," she said.

But if you need a bag, even if the store doesn't want to, they will be required to charge at least 10 cents for a paper bag to encourage shoppers to bring reusable bags.

Fast food restaurants will still be able to use plastic bags, as well as clothing and other retail stores like GAP, Macy's and Forever 21.

The ban only extends to convenience stores and markets, including pharmacies, supermarkets and convenience stores. However, the ban does not affect produce bags in grocery stores.

"Produce bags, bags you use in the meat department, bags that you would use in bulk food aisles when you're getting your wheat germ or your raw nuts, all of those are still allowed," she said.

Some people will be exempt from having to pay the 10 cents a bag.

"There are exemptions for those on the women infant and childrens program or the Cal Fresh program, they will not be charged," she said.