COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County is seeking community input on a proposed Single-Use Plastic Carryout Bag Ordinance currently under consideration by the Environmental Sustainability Board (ESB).
Community members can submit their input in person at the July 16 ESB meeting, or via email. The ordinance is intended to reduce litter, decrease waste sent for disposal, encourage reusable alternatives, and support broader sustainability efforts within the community.
On April 7, 2026, Los Alamos County Council directed the ESB to evaluate plastic bag regulations implemented in other communities and return with a draft ordinance for consideration. An ESB working group researched ordinances adopted by Santa Fe County, the City of Santa Fe, the City of Las Cruces, and statewide regulations in Colorado.
Community members are encouraged to review the draft ordinance and provide input. Community input will be considered by the ESB prior to making any final recommendations to the County Council. Presentation to the County Council is anticipated on August 4.
How to Participate
Community members may provide feedback in the following ways:
- Attend the ESB meeting on July 16, at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, Municipal Building, 1000 Central Avenue, Los Alamos. ESB may take action at the meeting regarding its final recommendations to the County Council;
- Submit comments, questions, or concerns by email to ESB@losalamosnm.gov; or
- Review the proposed Single-Use Plastic Carryout Bag Ordinance online.
About the Proposed Ordinance
If adopted, the ordinance would prohibit retail establishments from selling or providing single-use plastic carryout bags to customers. Retail establishments would instead be permitted to provide reusable bags, recycled-content paper bags, or recyclable cardboard boxes.
The proposed ordinance includes exemptions for certain uses where health, safety, sanitation, or product protection considerations apply. Examples include bags used for produce, loose or bulk produce, meat or fish, prescription medications or medical necessities, dry cleaning, take-out food orders, food bank distributions and toxic chemicals. The ordinance does not require a fee for paper bags. However, retail establishments can charge a fee for recycled-content paper bags to help offset costs and encourage the use of reusable carryout bags.
For additional information, contact Los Alamos County Sustainability Manager Angelica Gurule at angelica.gurule@losalamosnm.gov.
