Starting January 1, polystyrene, or Styrofoam, to-go containers and plastic grocery bags are banned in most large retail and food establishments statewide, including many grocery stores and restaurants. The measures are part of the Plastic Pollution Reduction Act passed in 2021. The first phase of the legislation went into effect one year ago, requiring businesses to charge 10 cents each for both paper and plastic bags. In 2024, plastic grocery bags will no longer be available, but paper bags will still be on hand for a 10 cent fee.
The statewide ban follows a local plastic bag ban in Fort Collins that went into effect in 2022 and makes Colorado one of a growing number of states imposing bans on plastic bags and Styrofoam to-go products. Colorado’s new plastic ban has a loophole, though: Small businesses with three or fewer locations in the state, or that sell only nonperishable, prepackaged foods or uncut produce, are exempt. All businesses will be permitted to use up their remaining stock of plastic bags and Styrofoam containers purchased before 2024, but cannot buy new inventory.