The Hillsboro City Council approved an ordinance (local law) to encourage the use of durable, reusable shopping bags and to restrict the distribution of plastic, single-use shopping bags. The ordinance applies to all retailers, restaurants and City-permitted and City-sponsored events.
Read Hillsboro Municipal Code 5.78.
Governor Kate Brown signed House Bill 2509, which restricts the use of single-use shopping bags statewide. The State law went into effect January 1, 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the City ordinance go in to effect?
January 1, 2020 for all retailers and restaurants.
What does this mean for customers and businesses?
Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable shopping bags to stores and restaurants. If recyclable paper, reusable plastic, or fabric bags are needed at checkout, customers may purchase bags for $0.05 each (or more, if the store charges more). The fee goes to the business to help offset the additional cost of the bags. Customers who use an electronic benefits card (SNAP) or a WIC voucher are not required to pay the $0.05 fee.
Retailers and restaurants are no longer allowed to provide single-use bags at checkout. In addition to encouraging customers to bring their own bags, retailers may provide recyclable paper, reusable plastic, or reusable fabric bags for a fee of at least $0.05 per bag. The fee goes to the business to help offset the cost of the bags. Restaurants may provide a recyclable paper bag to customers at no charge. Restaurants may also provide reusable plastic or fabric bags for a fee of at least $.0.05 per bag.
The City is offering free "A Better Way to Bag" window clings and posters to Hillsboro retailers and restaurants. For more information, please call 503-681-6191.
What about plastic produce bags, trash can liners, and bags for collecting pet waste?
Customers are encouraged to consider using reusable produce bags to reduce single-use plastic waste further. However, plastic produce bags are not restricted and may still be available for use in stores.
Trash can liners and plastic pet waste bags are not restricted.
What about plastic bags at food pantries and food banks?
The use of plastic bags is not restricted at these nonprofit organizations.
What if my favorite store still offers plastic bags after the ordinance is in effect?
The City will work to support businesses in the transition. After the ordinance takes effect, if a store continues to offer plastic bags, the City will offer outreach materials, information, and advice to eliminate plastic bags. If a store continues thereafter to offer plastic bags, the City will issue a warning. Continued noncompliance may result in a civic infraction as provided in the Hillsboro Municipal Code, Chapter 1.08.
