Plastic Bag Ban Goes Into Effect In Sacramento

Starting Jan. 1, convenience stores and grocery stores will no longer offer single-use plastic bags in the city of Sacramento.

Retailers -like a department store or specialty shop- that do not sell food may still use plastic bags, as may farmers' markets and restaurants.

Abdul Argand manages One Stop Gas on 16th Street. He says the store has been preparing customers for the change for several weeks.

"We have some notice and fliers for the stopping plastic bag after January the first. It's a good idea actually," Argand says.

You may bring your own bags or purchase a reusable or paper bag from the store.

Armando Martinez of Sacramento says he's considering a fourth alternative. 

"Just throw stuff in my trunk like you do at Costco, you know?" Martinez says.

Pharmacy and produce bags are not included in the bag ban.

Some stores have already stopped offering the bags or, like the Safeway on Alhambra, have run out.

Others, like One Stop Gas, say they will offer the bags until the new law takes effect.