Single Use Carryout Bag Fee

Single Use Bag Fee Starting January 1, 2023 in Fruita, Colorado

A single use bag fee of $0.10 per bag will be imposed starting January 1, 2023, per Colorado law. Avoid the fee by bringing your own reusable bags to the store.

Colorado Law - Plastic Pollution Reduction Act

  • Effective January 1, 2023, under a bill passed by the Colorado State Legislature in 2021, the state will require stores with more than 3 locations in Colorado to charge customers a $0.10 fee for each single-use plastic and paper bag used at the point of sale. This fee can be avoided by bringing your own reusable bags to the store.  
  • Effective January 1, 2024, Colorado law will ban single-use plastic bags at most stores and polystyrene foam takeout containers at restaurants.
  • Implementation Timeline (PDF)

Businesses will retain four cents ($0.04) of the fee to cover the costs of administration and compliance while six cents ($0.06) is to be remitted to the City on a quarterly basis beginning April 1, 2024. 

Links for more information from the State of Colorado:

Business Resources:

To help communicate this change to your shoppers, we have created signage and help resources for stores to help share the change.

Tips on Remembering to bring your bags:

  • Write "Bring Bags" on your grocery list.
  • Leave a few bags in your car.
  • Post a reminder note by your door.
  • Hang your bags by your door or put them back in your car as soon as you empty and clean them.
  • If you shop on a regular schedule, put a reminder on your phone or calendar to bring your bags.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any exemptions to the bag fee?
  • Small stores with three or fewer locations in Colorado and not part of a franchise, corporation or partnership that has physical locations outside of Colorado
  • Customers who provide evidence of participating in a federal or state food assistance program are exempt from the carryout bag fee.
  • The single-use carryout bag fee does not apply to:
    • A bag made of paper when the paper has a basis weight of thirty pounds or less
    • Bags provided by pharmacists to contain prescription medications
    • Laundry, dry cleaning, or garment bag
    • Bags used by consumers inside stores to:
      • Package bulk items, such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains, candy, or small hardware items
      • Contain or wrap frozen foods, meat, or fish, flowers, potted plants, or other items where it could dampen or contaminate other items
      • Contain unwrapped prepared foods or bakery goods
Category: Single Use Bag Frequently Asked Questions
Are there exceptions to the prohibition of using single-use plastic carryout bag for retail food establishments?

Retail food establishments need not comply with the prohibition on the use of singleuse plastic carryout bags if the retail food establishment:

  • Prepares or serves food in individual portions for immediate on-or-off premises consumption; and
  • Is not a grocery store or convenience store.
Category: Single Use Bag Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reuse the paper or plastic bags I have at home?

Yes, the fee is only charged the first time a bag is given to a customer. Any bag can be brought to the store for reuse.

Category: Single Use Bag Frequently Asked Questions
How can I avoid paying the bag fee?

Customers can avoid paying the 10-cent fee by bringing their own bags to the store or purchasing a reusable bag, if available. Customers can also choose not to bag their purchase.

Category: Single Use Bag Frequently Asked Questions
I am on the State's Food Assistance Program, do I need to pay the bag fee?

No, customers on state or federal Food Assistance Programs (such as WIC or SNAP), will not be charged for single-use plastic or paper bags at the point of sale, but we encourage everyone to reduce single-use bags.

Category: Single Use Bag Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t want to purchase a reusable bag. What are my options?

You can reuse single-use plastic and paper bags you have at home.

Category: Single Use Bag Frequently Asked Questions
Is the bag fee just in Fruita or is it statewide?

This is a statewide law.

Category: Single Use Bag Frequently Asked Questions
What if the bag rips? Do I have to pay for two?

No, accidents happen. You will not have to pay for the ripped bag.

Category: Single Use Bag Frequently Asked Questions
What should I line my garbage container in now?

While many people reuse bags, many do not, which is why the fee was put into place. Small trash bags are available at retailers or disposable bags can be purchased at the checkout to be used for trash. The fee does not apply to produce bags, newspaper bags, etc., so if you produce very little trash those bags could be used for that purpose.

Category: Single Use Bag Frequently Asked Questions
What stores must collect the single-use bag fee?
  • Grocery stores and supermarkets
  • Convenience stores
  • Liquor stores
  • Pharmacy and drug stores
  • Dry cleaners
  • Clothing store
  • Other retail establishments where carryout bags are provided to customers
  • Farmer’s market, roadside market or stand, festival, or other temporary vendor or event that includes temporary vendors
  • Includes any self-checkout and delivery services

    "Small stores" are excluded.  Small stores are defined as stores that:

  1. operate solely in Colorado,
  2. have three of fewer locations in the state, and
  3. are not part of a franchise, corporation, or partnership that has physical locations outside of Colorado are excluded. 
Category: Single Use Bag Frequently Asked Questions
What will the bag fee be used for?

Businesses keep four cents of the fee in order to cover their costs of complying with the State law. The remaining six cents is sent to the City of Fruita for the uses to cover costs associated with the fee including administration, enforcement, education and waste diversion programs. Because it is a fee and not a tax, State law dictates that those funds can only be used for purposes listed above and cannot be used for general government expenses.

Category: Single Use Bag Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the state of Colorado pass the bag fee law?

The bag fee is to encourage Coloradans to reduce their carryout bag consumption. It is one of the most effective ways to reduce usage. Plastic bags can pollute our community, waterways, and cause health issues with humans and wildlife. The City of Fruita supports taking steps to reduce the dependence on single-use items.

Category: Single Use Bag Frequently Asked Questions

Supporting Documents

PDF icon Single Use Bag Fee Implementation Timeline (136 KB)
PDF icon Bag Fee Flyer 11 in X 8.5 in (35 KB)
PDF icon Bag Fee Postcard 5.5 in X 4.25 in (36 KB)
PDF icon Bag Fee Cashier/Check Out Card (68 KB)
PDF icon Cashier Frequently Asked Questions (35 KB)
PDF icon Store Bag Fee Remittance Form (126 KB)
  • Printer-friendly version