HB 21-1162 Summary

• Repeals state preemption on local plastic regulations, allowing local governments to enact ordinances on plastic products effective July 1, 2024

• Prohibits stores and retail food establishments from providing single-use plastic carryout bags starting January 1, 2024, with limited exceptions for certain retail food establishments

• Implements a 10-cent per-bag fee on recycled paper carryout bags from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023, with 60% of fees going to municipalities/counties for administrative costs and waste diversion programs

• Bans expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) containers for ready-to-eat food at retail food establishments effective January 1, 2024, allowing existing inventory to be used until depleted

• Establishes local government enforcement authority with civil penalties of up to $500 for second violations and up to $1,000 for third or subsequent violations, excluding schools from enforcement