Frequently Asked Questions

The law is in effect now. The ordinance's effective date is April 27, 2017.

The ordinance applies to any retail establishment, grocery store, restaurant, pharmacy, vendor or non-profit vendor doing business within city limits.

• No plastic bags may be distributed at the point of sale.
• No compostable or biodegradable plastic bags may be distributed at the point of sale.
• Businesses must collect a Recycled Paper Bags Cost Pass-Through fee if providing a paper bag to customers.
• Businesses must charge a minimum fee of 10 cents per paper bag provided.
• Businesses are not permitted to rebate or reimburse any part of the fee to customers.
• Businesses may only use funds collected from the Recycled Paper Bags Cost Pass-Through fee for the purposes stated in P.R.C. § 42283.7.

Malibu stores must comply with the requirements of the City of Malibu Plastic Bag Ordinance, as the state law does not preempt or take precedence over city or county ordinances adopted prior to September 1, 2014.

• The City ordinance does not allow reusable plastic bags to be provided with a 10 cents fee, only recycled paper bags. The State allows for reusable plastic bags and recycle paper bags with a 10 cents fee.
• The City ordinance does not allow bioplastic or compostable bags as compliant bags. The State law does.
• The City ordinance covers all retail stores. The State law does not.
• The City ordinance covers restaurants and eating establishments. The State law does not.
• The City ordinance covers vendors (including nonprofit vendors). The State law does not.
• Violations within city limits are governed by the City's ordinance and enforced by the City Manager. Keep in mind that Malibu stores must comply with the City ordinance, even where different from the State law.

The purpose of the ban is to reduce plastic debris in our creeks and ocean, protect aquatic life, and lessen the economic impact of litter abatement. Plastic bags, bio-based (such as corn or polylactic acid), biodegradable, and compostable plastic bags cause litter and dispersal concerns, and can harm wildlife.

The Recycled Paper Bags Cost Pass-Through fee is intended to provide a disincentive to customers to use single-use paper bags and to promote the shift to reusable bags.

Yes. All reusable grocery bags must be certified as meeting requirements set out in the statute. The requirements vary based upon the kind of material used to make the bags. A reusable grocery bag must:

• Have a handle and be designed for at least 125 uses;
• Have a volume capacity of at least 15 liters (about 4 gallons);
• Be machine washable or capable of being cleaned and disinfected; and
• Have the manufacturer’s name, country, and a statement that the bag is a reusable bag designed for at least 125 uses printed on the bag or on a tag, as well as recycling instructions if the bag is recyclable.

Cities, counties, and the State of California enforce the bag ban. The City is committed to conducting education and outreach to businesses to ensure a smooth transition to safer alternatives. Penalties for non-compliance will be issued as a last resort and may result in fines.