In 2021, the Colorado General Assembly passed House Bill 21-1162, the Plastic Pollution Reduction Act. As a result, a statewide fee of $0.10 on plastic and paper bags will go into effect on January 1, 2023, at most large retailers and grocery stores. On each $0.10-cent bag purchase, $.04 will be retained by the retailer, and $0.06 will be remitted to the municipality or county in which the retailer is located.
The purpose of the fee is to help implement the program. Shoppers can avoid paying the fee if they bring their own reusable bags. The law will not apply to small retail stores and restaurants that only operate in Colorado with three or fewer locations.
The Town of Pagosa Springs is researching how other Colorado communities are approaching this issue on a local level. Most provide support and education to retailers and shoppers to help them comply. Some communities are providing locally designed reusable bags.
The Town would like to form a small group of interested citizens to develop ways to conduct outreach and education and make the program successful in Pagosa Springs.
If you are interested in learning more and being part of this local initiative, please contact Andrea Phillips, Town Manager, at 970-264-4151 x. 236 or aphillips@pagosasprings.co.gov.