Colorado's Carryout Bag Fee

In 2021, the Colorado General Assembly enacted House Bill 21-1162, Management of Plastic Products. This new state law requires that grocery, retail, and convenience stores collect a $0.10 fee on each single-use plastic or recyclable paper carryout bag provided to their customers.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, stores in unincorporated Adams County are required to collect a $0.10 fee on each single-use plastic or recyclable paper carryout bag provided to their customers. 

THERE ARE SOME EXCEPTIONS:

• Small businesses (any business with three or fewer locations, all in Colorado)
• Pharmacies and dry cleaners
• Goods that are wrapped to prevent contamination, such as meat, seafood, or plants
• Farmers and roadside markets
• Customers who show proof they are enrolled in federal or state food assistance programs, such as SNAP or WIC

BRING YOUR OWN BAG TO:

Reduce Waste | Prevent Litter | Protect Rivers and Streams

MAKE BRINGING YOUR OWN BAG A HABIT:

• Write "Bring Bags" at the top of your grocery list and put your bags with your list.
• Post a reminder by your door or on your dashboard.
• Hang your bags by your door or put them back in your car or bike basket as soon as you empty and clean them.
• Store or clip an extra bag in your purse or backpack.
• Keep a spare bag at work.
• Leave a few bags in your car.
• Put your coupons in your bag.
• If you regularly shop on a set day of the week, put a reminder in your phone or on your calendar to bring your bags.

For more information about the bag fee, visit the Colorado State website.

REMITTANCE PROCESS:

Retailers must remit carryout bag fees collected, on a quarterly basis, using this form: Carryout Bag Fee Return Form.