Plastic & Paper Bags

Give Plastic The Sack GraphicSpurring Change Together!

In Steamboat Springs, 3.8 million single-use plastic bags are used yearly by shoppers at the markets included in the plastic bag ban. 

Many of these bags end up as litter in our rivers, forests and rural landscapes. 

MARKETS INCLUDED

  • City Market
  • Natural Grocers
  • Safeway
  • Walmart
  • Walgreens

ORDINANCE 2789

Under Ordinance 2789, large markets in the City of Steamboat Springs no longer provide single-use plastic carryout bags and charge a 20-cent fee for paper bags. The ordinance was enacted on October 1, 2019 and modified on January 5, 2021. 

  1. When do the single-use plastic bag ban and paper bag fee go into effect?
  2. What stores are covered under the ordinance?
  3. Why is there a 20-cent charge for paper bags?

BUSINESSES OPT IN 

Many local businesses are interested in participating in the community program to give plastic the sack through a voluntary opt-in avenue.  Participating opt-in stores carry the Spur Change decal on store fronts.  

Op In Sign Up

Steamboat Springs Teen Council

A group of high school students, who are members of the Steamboat Springs Teen Council, proposed the plastic bag ban and paper bag fee as part of their annual project. After several appearances before City Council as well as outreach to the community, the group succeeded in moving their proposal from simply an idea to a change for the community.