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1. How does the Opt-In Program work?

Your business completes the City of Steamboat Springs Application and Voluntary Agreement agreeing not to provide disposable plastic carry-out bags, and to collect a waste reduction fee of 20¢/disposable paper bag provided.

Once a year, submit a report to the City detailing fees collected through paper bag distribution and the use of these funds for eligible purposes *

* Details can be found in the Application and Voluntary Agreement

2. How much of the 20¢ fee does my business get to keep?

As an opt-in partner, your business gets to keep the entire 20¢ fee.

3. Can I use the 20¢ to offset the cost of the paper bags I am providing?

No.  The fees collected must be used only for the pillowing purposes, per Section 19-204 of the Code:

1. Provide educational information about the Waste Reduction Fee and reusable bags free of cost to customers;
2. Provide required signage regarding the fee;
3. Train staff in the implementation and administration of the fee;
4. Improve or alter infrastructure to allow for the implementation, collection, and administration of the fee;
5. Collect, account for, and report on use of the fee to the city;
6. Develop and display informational signage to inform consumers about the fee; and
7. Provide and encourage the use of reusable bags.

4. Are there any customers that are exempt from the 20¢ paper bag fee?

Yes.  Customers that can provide evidence that he or she is a participant in a Colorado Food Assistance Program. (Section 19-206) are exempt from the disposable paper bag fee.

5. How does my business benefit?

You and your customers feel great, knowing you are making a difference in our community

You’ll receive:

• a “Spur Change Retail Champion” decal for  your business door/window
• a listing as an opt-in partner on the City website
• Retail Champion point of sale provided by City – handouts, tabletop signs

6. Can I just stop providing plastic bags and start selling paper bags for 20¢ per bag?

If your business do not fill out the application and agree to the 20¢/paper bag fee requirements, the amount charged for paper bags is considered a sale, and is subject to sales tax that will need to be reported and remitted to the City.  In addition, your business may not communicate that it is participating in the plastic bag ban/paper bag fee program.  It also will not receive recognition in opt-in participant communications, nor will it receive opt-in participant signage and materials.

7. Is this agreement voluntary?

Yes.   Business may opt out of this voluntary agreement at any time by notifying the City of Steamboat Springs