My store is not affected by the law, but I want to reduce bag use at my store, what can I do?

The rules for which stores are and are not affected by this law are automatic, which can be confusing for stores that would like to opt-in to a program to discourage single-use carryout bags. 


There are multiple options for stores that wish to reduce single-use carryout bags: 

  • Self-impose a policy for not providing single-use carryout bags. Many stores in town (including a grocery store in town) already have successfully implemented this sort of policy.
  • Provide discounts or other incentives to customers that bring their own bags. 
  • Self-impose a single-use carryout bag charge (more details below). 

Stores that are exempt from state law are allowed to charge their own self-imposed charge on carryout bags if they wish. The City of Grand Junction recommends this be a $0.10 fee to align with other stores in our community. Stores in this case are allowed to retain 100% of the revenue from this charge and do not have to remit any amount to the City of Grand Junction. However, this charge would be subject to sales tax as it would be categorized as a sale of an item: in this case, the store is selling a carryout bag for $0.10 each. 

Show All Answers

1. What does the law require and when does it go into effect?
2. What counts as a single-use carry-out bag, and are there exceptions?
3. Are there rules for what types of paper carryout bags that can be provided?
4. Which stores are affected by the bag fee and bag ban?*
5. Which stores are affected by the Polystyrene food container ban in 2024?
6. How can I avoid paying the fee as a customer?
7. What should I do if I think a store is not following the law?
8. Is signage required in the store?
9. How are fees charged and do they show up on a receipt?
10. What portion of the fee do the stores keep, and what portion is paid to the City of Grand Junction?
11. Does an affected store have to pay sales tax on the $0.04 portion of the bag fee they collect?
12. Are stores required to spend the funds retained from fee collection on anything specific?
13. What will the City of Grand Junction do with the $0.06 of the fee revenue?
14. When do affected stores need to provide payment City of Grand Junction?
15. My store is not affected by the law, but I want to reduce bag use at my store, what can I do?
16. What if I want to charge more than 10 cents?
17. Can I charge 10 cents on other items like plastic ware or boxes?