Dana Point Plastic Bag Ban

On March 6, 2012, the City of Dana Point, at the urging of environmental groups and local hotel resorts, passed a single-use plastic bag ban that will take effect on April 1, 2013. The law will not include a fee on paper bags, unfortunately, but was aimed at reducing the amount of plastic litter found in beaches, parks, roads and waterways. The ban will be targeted to stop single-use plastic bag distribution at all stores and city facilities, except for restaurant’s carryout bags. City staff were present at a November 2011 workshop hosted by Surfrider Foundation and Earth Resource Foundation to cover different plastic bag ban ordinance options and environmental review documentation. The City becomes the second in Orange County to approve such an ordinance, following neighboring Laguna Beach, whose City Council approved their ordinance at their Feb 18, 2012 Council meeting.