05 Staff Report - Disposable Single Use Carry-Out Bags'Vt[
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DATE:
TO:
FROM:
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
November 24, 2008
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
MEETING DATE: 12/01/08
ITEM NO: 4~
GREG LARSON, TOWN MANAGER
SUBJECT: ADOPT RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE SANTA CLARA COUNTY
CITIES ASSOCIATION'S (SCCCA) REGIONAL EFFORTS RELATED TO
DISPOSABLE, SINGLE USE CARRY-OUT BAGS
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt resolution in support of Santa Clara County Cities Association's (SCCCA) regional efforts
related to disposable, single use carry-out bags.
BACKGROUND:
The issue of controlling the distribution and use of disposable, single use carry-out bags is being debated
at the city, county and state level. A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to the Santa Clara County
Recycling and Waste Reduction Commission (RWRC) has discussed several options for inclusion in a
proposed model countywide ordinance that would regulate the distribution of single use carry-out bags.
Several cities in the county are taking actions to develop ordinances for adoption in early 2009.
DISCUSSION:
At its June 12, 2008 meeting, the SCCCA received-a report from the City of San Jose concerning the
issue of reducing the use of disposable carry-out bags. While the report noted that these bags are
inexpensive and convenient, they are difficult to recycle, cause litter, contribute to pollution and harm
wildlife. While recycling of plastic bags is possible, contamination, volatile overseas markets and low
recovery rates make recycling less viable.
PREPARED BY Alana Forrest, Acting sistant tot Town Manager
U:1AdminServiceslCan youtbagsRprtv.2.doc
Reviewed by: ! -Assistant Town Manager
Clerk Administrator Finance
Town Attorney
amunity Development
PAGE 2
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
November 24, 2008
The report notes there are a number of options for addressing the impacts of single use carry-out bags,
including:
■ Education and public outreach
■ Banning their use
■ Enhanced recycling
■ Creating economic incentives to reduce or eliminate their use
A number of Santa Clara County jurisdictions are in the process of banning, assessing fees, or recycling
single use carryout bags, including Palo Alto and San Jose. The SCCCA is promoting a regional
approach on this issue, since it crosses jurisdictional boundaries. A regional approach would lead to
greater consistency for customers and retailers.
The SCCCA has requested that member jurisdictions adopt a statement in support of its regional efforts
regarding the use of disposable carry-out bags.
The Town of Los Gatos has supported eco-friendly initiatives, specifically in the April Keep Los Gatos
Beautiful event, in which hundreds of canvas bags were given out to the community at the Farmers
Market. Los Gatos residents who received these canvas bags pledged to reduce their use of single use
carryout bags in the future.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends that Council approve the resolution.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
Is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
Attachments:
Resolution
Distribution:
General
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
SUPPORTING THE EFFORTS OF THE SANTA CLARA COUNTY
CITIES ASSOCIATION IN PROMOTING A REGIONAL APPROACH
TO ELIMINATING THE USE OF
DISPOSABLE, SINGLE USE CARRY-OUT BAGS
WHEREAS, disposable, single use carry-out bags are inexpensive and convenient, yet are also difficult to
recycle, cause litter, contribute to pollution and harm wildlife;
WHEREAS, although recycling of these bags is possible, contamination, volatile overseas markets and
low recovery rates make recycling less viable;
bags, including:
WHEREAS, a number of options exist for addressing the impacts of disposable, single use carry-out
■ Education and public outreach
■ Banning their use
■ Enhanced recycling
■ Creating economic incentives to reduce or eliminate their use
WHEREAS, a number of jurisdictions in the San Francisco Bay Region are in the process of banning, assessing
fees, or recycling single use carryout bags;
WIMAS, the Santa Clara County Cities Association (SCCCA) is promoting a regional approach on this issue,
since it crosses jurisdictional boundaries. A regional approach would lead to greater consistency for customers and
retailers.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos, County of Santa Clara,
State of California, hereby supports the efforts of the Santa Clara County Cities Association in promoting a regional
approach to eliminating the use of disposable, single use carry-out bags.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos, California,
held on the day of , 2008 by the following vote:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
AYES:
NAYS:
AB SENT:
A13STAIN:
SIGNED:
MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
ATTEST:
ATTACHMENT 1
CLERK OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA