The City of Salem takes aim to help clean up Oregon

If you are a resident of the City of Salem, then be sure to know a new law is now in effect. Plastic Bag Ban. Yup, Large retailers will no longer be distributing plastic carryout bags at checkout in order to help protect the environment, animal and human health, and to reduce litter. All retail businesses, including grocery and convenience stores, apparel and department stores, and local markets will be impacted.

Retailers can provide recyclable paper bags, charging a fee of not less than five cents per bag, or reusable bags for customers to carry away purchases. Restaurants and prepared food providers can still distribute plastic carryout bags.  For stores that sell both retail items and prepared food, plastic carryout bags can only be given at checkout for prepared food items.

Kroger will eventually eliminate plastic bags in their stores by 2025.

For more information about the plastic bag ban, visit www.cityofsalem.net/plastic-bags.