Summary
A board working group has drafted a ban on single-use plastic checkout bags, modeled on statewide bans and now with the county attorney for legal review. The board expects to vote on endorsing it in June and send it to council in July — with a possible special meeting June 8.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 12, 2026.
Impact analysis
Supporters estimate around 5 million bags a year costing retailers roughly $100,000; opponents worry about costs to small businesses and enforcement.
Anyone who wants less plastic film waste in the community and landfill.
Retailers and shoppers who rely on free checkout bags would need to adapt.
Mentions & discussions (7)
Planning and Zoning Commission — August 12, 2026
Councilor Havemann reported the county council's plastic bag ban failed 3-3, and a public hearing is coming on $230 million in workforce housing revenue bonds for the Coyote Mesa project on DP Road. A comprehensive plan draft also arrives August 19.
Transportation Board — August 6, 2026
The Environmental Sustainability Board declined to recommend a plastic bag ban, but council still debated it on August 4 — and it failed on a 3-3 tie vote. So no plastic bag ban for Los Alamos.
Grocery shoppers spared 'sack fee' at checkout as county ditches plastic bag ban
Grocery shoppers spared 'sack fee' at checkout as county ditches plastic bag ban The Sun
Environmental Sustainability Board — July 16, 2026
The board was asked to recommend on a draft ban covering retail plastic carry-out bags with nine exemptions and no mandatory fee. Public comments ran roughly two-to-one opposed, and the board unanimously recommended council reject it.
Environmental Sustainability Board — June 18, 2026
The board is shaping a ban on plastic checkout bags at Los Alamos retail stores, with stores encouraged to charge for recycled paper bags. Members reworked the justification to lean on measurable impacts — recycling contamination costs and climate goals — rather than unquantified litter claims. Public comment comes in July; a recommendation to Council is due by August 4.
Environmental Sustainability Board — May 21, 2026
A board working group has drafted a ban on single-use plastic checkout bags, modeled on statewide bans and now with the county attorney for legal review. The board expects to vote on endorsing it in June and send it to council in July — with a possible special meeting June 8.
County Council - Regular Session — April 7, 2026
Council was scheduled to revisit the long-running question of regulating single-use plastics, with a research update on plastic bags. Any ordinance would affect shoppers and businesses countywide.
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