A statewide ban on single-use plastic bags goes into effect Jan. 1. This was already in effect in Steamboat Springs. Between the 1st and June 1, a store may provide plastic carryout bags for $.20 but only from their remaining inventory. After that, no plastic bags at any grocery stores, large or small stores, roadside markets or stands, festivals or temporary vendors.
Press release from the City of Steamboat Springs; Dec. 28, 2023.
Phase Two of State Carryout Bag Initiative
Ban on All Single-Use Plastic Carryout Bags Beginning Jan 1, 2024
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-December 28, 2023-The State of Colorado enacted a single-use carryout bag ban and fee as part of House Bill 21-1162 that required the city to reconcile its Plastic Bag Ban and Paper Bag Fee adopted earlier through the new Ordinance No. 2880.
“Steamboat Springs started its plastic bag ban and fee to only the large retail stores initially, and in 2023 extended that fee to all stores for both plastic and paper carryout bags,” reports Alicia Archibald, Community Recycling Coordinator. “The final step in the implementation of the State’s Plastic Pollution Prevention Act is the ban on expanded polystyrene foam (commonly referred to as StyrofoamTM) to-go food containers and single-use plastic carryout bags, beginning January 1, 2024.”
Between January 1, 2024, and June 1, 2024, a store may provide a plastic carryout bag for the 20-cent fee only from its remaining inventory. After that date, stores will be prohibited from providing single-use plastic carryout bags to customers.
The ban applies to all stores in Steamboat Springs, including grocery stores, large and small stores, farmers markets, roadside market or stand, festival, and other temporary vendors or an event that includes temporary vendors.
Stores may continue to provide paper carryout bags for the 20-cent fee per bag. Shoppers can avoid the bag fee by bringing their own reusable bags. 16-cents of the 20-cent fee will go to the city for recycling, composting and other waste diversion programs: including outreach and education activities.
Additional information including Frequently Asked Questions, the adopted Ordinance, and links to the state program can be found at steamboatsprings.net/BYOB.