Single Use Bag Fee

Plastic and paper bag fees begin in 2023.

Effective July 1, 2023, the State of Colorado has mandated that most major retail businesses are required to charge a 10-cent bag fee for each single-use plastic and paper bag used at checkout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

Who will be charging the bag fee?
- Major retailers
- Grocery stores and supermarkets
- Major convenience stores
- Clothing stores
- Hardware stores
- Other major stores that include delivery services
Why is there a bag fee?
The State of Colorado passed the Plastic Pollution Reduction Act (HB21-1162), a multi-phased law designed to ban plastic bags and Styrofoam food containers and encouraging reusable options for single-use bags.
How does the Plastic Pollution Reduction Act affect me?
On January 1, 2023 larger retail stores began charging customers 10 cents for single-use plastic or paper bag used at checkout. On January 1, 2024 single-use plastic bags will be banned as well as Styrofoam food containers used in restaurants, fast-food chains, grocery stores and convenience stores. Paper bags will still be available for purchase at 10 cents each.
How much is the bag fee?
The bag fee is 10 cents for single-use plastic or paper bag used at checkout.
What bags are included?
Single-use paper or plastic bags furnished to a customer at the point of sale to transport or carry items
Where will the bag fee money go?
- Businesses retain 40% of the fee to cover the cost of administration and compliance
- Commerce City receives 60% of the fee to support recycling, waste diversion programs, and related outreach and educational activities
- The single-use bag fee is not a tax and cannot be used for non-related expenses so it does not violate TABOR
What is exempt from the bag fee?
- Customers that provide evidence to the store that they are a participant in a federal or state food assistance program
- Farmer's markets
- Restaurants
- Laundry or dry cleaning services
- Bulk stores
- Smaller businesses with three or fewer locations in Colorado
- Pharmacies
- Bags used by consumers in the store for items like produce, bulk items, candy, small hardware items, meat, bakery, or floral items
How will the bag fee work with self-checkout?
At self-checkout you will be asked how many bags you used for your order. The system will calculate your fee and should show on your receipt.
How should I replace plastic bags that I use for things like pet waste and small trash cans?
While we appreciate that you have found great ways to reuse single-use bags the hope is that you will find better options going forward. We encourage you to find alternatives like compostable bags for your trash cans or no bags at all.

Pet owners still have many options for pet waste. Try using other items like small disposable waste bags, newspaper, produce or bread bags.

For more information on this mandate please reference the Colorado HB21-1162 or the Colorado Department of Revenue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who will be charging the bag fee?

Why is there a bag fee?

How does the Plastic Pollution Reduction Act affect me?

How much is the bag fee?

What bags are included?

Where will the bag fee money go?

What is exempt from the bag fee?

How will the bag fee work with self-checkout?

How should I replace plastic bags that I use for things like pet waste and small trash cans?