Plastic Bag Ban

The Moab City Council in September 2018 voted unanimously to enact a ban on single-use, carry-out type plastic bags. The ban includes all plastic bags less than 2.25 mils (0.00225 inches) thick provided at checkout or point of sale. Those not allowed are the typical plastic bags with handles constructed of thin plastic (less than 2.25 mils thick). Bags constructed of durable plastic (equal to or thicker than 2.25 mils) are considered reusable and are allowed.

Effective January 1, 2019, all retail businesses located within Moab city limits must comply with the ban.

Read the ordinance here.

Why Ban Plastic Bags?

The goal is to reduce the use of throwaway plastic products, particularly lightweight plastic bags, which are a litter problem and escape into waterways and oceans where they are harmful to animals and may enter the food chain as they degrade into smaller and smaller – but still plastic – pieces. The ban is another step toward the City meeting its goals as established in its “2020 Vision: A Sustainable Moab Plan,” which was passed by Council in 2008.

How Will This Affect Consumers?

City and county residents, as well as visitors to Moab, are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags when shopping at businesses in Moab. Most reusable bags can be used hundreds of times so the cost to purchase them is quickly recouped. While shoppers may forget to bring them in the beginning, they will soon get into the habit of bringing reusable bags for shopping. Also, many times smaller purchases don’t even require bags.