Bill > SB551

This bill addresses plastic waste by modifying Oregon's existing laws regarding checkout bags used by retail establishments and restaurants. The bill eliminates provisions for reusable fabric and reusable plastic checkout bags, and instead focuses on restricting single-use checkout bags. Retail establishments are now prohibited from providing single-use checkout bags to customers, with exceptions for specific types of bags like those used for bulk items, frozen foods, prescriptions, and certain specialized bags like garment or laundry bags. Recycled paper checkout bags can still be provided, but only if the establishment charges at least five cents per bag, with free bags allowed for customers using certain government assistance programs like WIC or electronic benefits transfer. Restaurants are also prohibited from providing single-use checkout bags, though they can provide recycled paper checkout bags at no cost. The bill allows local governments to adopt identical regulations and potentially impose additional fees, with the amendments set to become operative on January 1, 2027. The goal appears to be reducing plastic waste and encouraging more sustainable bag usage by limiting single-use checkout bags across Oregon.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB551