Richmond Bans Plastic Bags

East Bay city's ban goes into effect January 1.

The plastic bag ban trend has now reached Richmond.

The East Bay city has become the first in Contra Costa County to ban plastic bags at retail stores and at grocery stores, according to the West County Times.

Under the new law, which goes into effect on January 1, 2014, Richmond shoppers will also pay 5 cents for paper bags -- a fee that will double to 10 cents in two years, the newspaper reported.

  Tuesday, the Los Angeles City Council voted 11-1 to tentatively approve its own ban.

The LA City Council approved the ban despite being "divided" on the issue, the West County Times reported.

In recent years, cities across California have enacted bans on plastic bags, finding that they cause pollution and lead to litter in the ocean as well as on streets.

Restaurants would still be able to use plastic bags in Richmond.

MORE:  View the Draft Single-Use Bag Ordinance

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