The purpose of this chapter is to regulate the distribution of plastic bags at retail establishments and food provider establishments and the use of polystyrene foam. The distribution of plastic bags and the use of polystyrene foam has significant, ongoing harmful impacts upon the environment, including:
A. 
They are a major source of litter.
B. 
When littered, they are detrimental to wildlife that ingests them.
C. 
They are persistent in the environment.
(Ord. 2162 § 1, 2018)
For purposes of this chapter and any rules adopted under this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings.
"City manager"
means the City Manager or the City Manager's authorized representative, designee or agent.
"Food provider"
means any person in the City that provides prepared food for public consumption on or off its premises and includes, without limitation, any retail establishment, shop, sales outlet, restaurant, grocery store, delicatessen, or catering truck or vehicle.
"Packaging"
means to-go containers, bowls, cups, live bait, food trays, or other common uses in the food industry.
"Polystyrene foam"
means any material composed of polystyrene (a thermoplastic material utilizing the styrene monomer) and having a closed cell air capacity of 25% or greater, or a density of less than 0.787 grams per cubic centimeter based on an average polystyrene density of 1.05 grams per cubic centimeter, as determined by an analytical testing laboratory.
"Recycled paper bag"
means a paper checkout bag provided by a retail establishment or food provider to customers, meeting the following requirements:
1. 
Contains a minimum of 40% recycled content; and
2. 
Is accepted for recycling in the City or contracted by City recycling program regulations.
"Retail establishment"
means any sole proprietorship, partnership, limited partnership, family limited partnership, joint venture, association, cooperative, trust, estate, corporation, personal holding company, limited liability company, limited liability partnership or any other form of organization located within the City that sells or offers for sale goods to a customer.
"Reusable bag"
means a bag with handles that is specifically designed and manufactured for long-term multiple reuse and is
1. 
Made of cloth or other machine washable fabric; or
2. 
Made of durable plastic that is at least 4.0 mils thick.
"Single-use plastic checkout bag"
means a plastic bag that is provided by a retail establishment or food service facility to a customer and is not a reusable bag. A single-use checkout bag does not include the following:
1. 
A bag provided by a pharmacist or pharmacist's assistant to contain prescription medication purchased by customers of the pharmacy;
2. 
A non-handled bag used to protect a purchased item from damaging or contaminating other purchased items when placed in a recycled paper bag or reusable bag; or
3. 
A plastic cover designed and used for protecting garments on a hanger.
(Ord. 2162 § 1, 2018)
A. 
The City Manager is authorized to administer and enforce this chapter's provisions.
B. 
The City Manager is authorized to adopt procedures and forms to implement this chapter's provisions.
(Ord. 2162 § 1, 2018)
A. 
The following must provide only recycled paper bags or reusable bags as checkout bags to customers:
1. 
Retail establishments or food providers with greater than 10,000 square feet in specific store size.
2. 
Retail establishments or food providers on City-owned properties.
B. 
Any retail establishment or food provider that violates Section 16.36.040 is subject to penalties as set forth in Section 16.36.060.
(Ord. 2162 § 1, 2018)
A. 
A food provider with greater than 10,000 square feet in specific store size or on City-owned property may not serve prepared food in any polystyrene foam product.
B. 
A food provider that violates Section 16.36.050 is subject to penalties as set forth in Section 16.36.060.
(Ord. 2162 § 1, 2018)
A. 
If any retail establishment or food provider violates this chapter, the City may impose the following penalties and enforcement actions:
1. 
Upon the first violation, the City Manager will issue a written warning notice to the retail establishment or food provider that a violation has occurred.
2. 
Upon subsequent violations, the following penalties apply:
a. 
$100.00 for the first violation after the written warning within a 12-month period;
b. 
$200.00 for the second violation within a 12-month period; and,
c. 
$500.00 for any subsequent violation within a 12-month period.
3. 
The City may not impose more than one penalty upon any single location of a retail establishment or food provider within a 7-day period.
B. 
If the City Manager makes a determination that a retail establishment or food provider has violated this chapter or any regulations adopted under this chapter, the City Manager will send a written notice of the violation by mail to the retail establishment or food provider specifying the violation and the applicable penalty as set forth in Subsection A.
C. 
The City may use the provisions of Milwaukie Municipal Code Chapter 1.08 to enforce this chapter.
(Ord. 2162 § 1, 2018)