Sunnyvale Markets Meet Plastic Bag Recycling Law

SUNNYVALE, Calif. – A City survey of Sunnyvale supermarkets, drugstores and other retailers shows the majority of stores covered under the new plastic carryout bag recycling law, AB 2449, are complying with the law’s requirements. The goal of AB 2449 is to provide consumers with convenient locations at which they can recycle plastic carryout bags. These bags, if discarded carelessly, become unsightly litter and accumulate in waterways and other natural areas, with detrimental effects on wildlife and water quality.

The law, effective July 1, 2007, requires that covered retailers place a clearly marked bin for plastic carryout bags at each store; provide plastic carryout bags printed with “Please return to a participating store for recycling;” provide reusable bags for sale to customers; and collect, transport and recycle all plastic carryout bags.

To assure recycling-industry quality standards for remanufacturing are met, plastic bags sent for recycling should be dry, free of food residue and other contamination, and contain no receipts or other paper.

Among Sunnyvale stores in compliance are four Safeway stores; Pak ‘n Save; Lucky; two Long’s Drugs; two Walgreen’s; Rite Aid; and Trader Joe’s. All provide convenient recycle bins for plastic carryout bags in addition to offering attractive reusable cloth or polypropylene bags for sale. Prices for the reusable totes are priced from $.99 to $5. Safeway, Pak ‘n Save and Lucky stores give credits of up to five cents per bag to customers who bring in their own bags.

At Trader Joe’s, customers bringing their own bags can enter a weekly drawing for a $25 gift card.

Although the law only requires that larger stores comply, independent grocer Chavez Supermarket voluntarily participates. Other independent markets have shown interest in meeting the requirements of this new recycling law.

For more information on recycling activities in Sunnyvale, visit www.sunnyvalerecycles.org.