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Colorado Bag Fee
Colorado residents will be charged a 10-cent bag fee beginning January 1, 2023.
This new state mandate requires certain retail stores to charge a 10-cent fee for each carryout bag. Shoppers are encouraged to begin bringing their own reusable bags.
A portion of the revenue collected in Wheat Ridge from the bag fees will be used for the city's Sustainable Neighborhood programs.
Read the Colorado bag fee bill: Colorado HB21-1162
A Guide to Bag Fees for Businesses: Eco-Cycle
- What is the Colorado bag fee bill?
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The State of Colorado passed the bag fee bill that will go into effect January 1, 2023. This bill requires retailers to charge a 10-cent carryout bag fee per bag.
- When will the bag fee bill go into effect?
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January 1, 2023
- Does everyone have to pay the bag fee?
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People who are receiving food assistance from federal, or government programs are not required to pay the bag fee. They must provide evidence of assistance to be exempt.
- What establishments are exempt from charging a bag fee?
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Local Colorado establishments with 3 or fewer locations.
- What establishments are required to charge the bag fee?
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Grocery stores, major retailers, convenience stores, and major franchises.
- Why has Colorado passed the bag fee bill?
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The bill was passed to support the effort to reduce plastic waste in Colorado.
- Where is the revenue from the fee collecting in Wheat Ridge going?
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A portion of the revenue collected in Wheat Ridge will go to Sustainable Wheat Ridge programs.
- Will there be a bag fee charge for self checkout and delivery services?
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Yes.
- How can I avoid the bag fee?
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BYOB - Bring your own bag.
- Does the law apply to roadside food stands and Farmer's Markets?
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No, the law does not apply to these places. Most of these have three or less establishments in the state and therefore the law does not apply.
- Does this apply to eating establishments?
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No, HB21-1162 exempts retail food establishments from charging this fee.
Carryout Bag Fee Form
As required by HB21-1162 the receiving agency must track record of revenues received and track the amount of one-time use bags are being distributed. The submittal of the form below will assure all parties are in compliance.