BYOBags Initiative

History of BYOBags and Cuyahoga County's Plastic Bag Ban

Cuyahoga County’s Disposable Bag Ban was passed by County Council in 2019.

However, the State of Ohio preempted the ordinance with a “ban on bans.” Therefore, the County is not currently enforcing the ordinance. Instead, the County is seeking voluntary compliance and support from retailers and educating and empowering consumers to Bring Your Own Bags (BYOBags).

Under the leadership of an Advisory Group consisting of the Departments of Sustainability and Consumer Affairs and the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District, the BYOBags initiative provided grants to retailers, distributed reusable bags countywide, participated in community outreach and engagement events, and launched a BYOBags media blitz in 2025. 

Beginning January 1, 2026, the BYOBags initiative will be administered by the Solid Waste District.

Cuyahoga County remains committed to eliminating single-use plastic checkout bags and encourages all consumers to bring their own bags.

States with a Plastic Bag Ban, Fee, or Legislation

There is no national plastic bag fee or ban currently in effect in the United States. However, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington, plus the territories of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, United States Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, have banned disposable bags.

Across the U.S., counties and municipalities have also enacted ordinances to impose fees or ban plastic bags. 

Support for Shoppers

Through their everyday choices, consumers have the power to influence decisions made by retailers. By bringing reusable bags when you shop, you let retailers know that you support the elimination of single-use plastic checkout bags and the waste that contaminates our streams, lakes, and land.

I tend to forget to bring reusable bags. How can I remember?

Here are just a few ways to help you BYOBags:

• Put a note or reminder at the top of your shopping list.
• Stash bags in your car or by the door. Return them to the designated spot after your shopping trip.
• Every time you leave your home, sing the jingle: "Bags, Wallet, Keys, and Phone."
• Ask your kids and family members to remind you about your reusable bags.
• Keep a small, spare bag in your backpack, purse, car console, or glove box.
• Request that your store post reminders on bollard posts, cart corrals, and entry doors.
• Encourage retailers to offer incentives for bringing your own bags.
• Designate a favorite bag as an accessory when you visit specific shopping locations: the mall, drug stores, big box locations, and grocery stores.
• Set up a Borrow-A-Bag station at your workplace or school. Ask us for help on getting started!
• Request a BYOBags window cling or sticker for your vehicle, house windows, doors, or mirrors.
• Read our blog post of tips on remembering your reusable bags.

Do you have a tip for remembering your reusable bags? Share with us!

I don’t think I can afford to purchase reusable bags. Is there any assistance available to make them more accessible?

• The best bag is the bag you already have. Carry a personal tote, beach bag, or duffel that you already own. You can also reuse plastic checkout bags.
• Consider using cardboard boxes, bins, or totes to transport items. 
• Look for a community bag swap event or borrow-a-bag program. Check your neighborhood Freecycle Network.
• Most woven reusable bags can be purchased for a few dollars and are sold at many local shops, making them a relatively affordable option.
• If you can’t purchase reusable bags, paper bags are the next best option. They are often free or low-cost alternatives to plastic checkout bags.

I’m ready to reduce other types of waste, especially plastic!

We offer easy ways to get started reducing plastic waste, along with presentations and hands-on activities focused on BYOBags and reducing plastic waste. Learn more.

Resources for Retailers

Since the State of Ohio preempted the County’s Disposable Bag Ban, the County is not enforcing it at this time. Instead, the County is seeking voluntary compliance from retailers.

Why should retailers reduce plastic bag usage?

• Customers favor it. In a 2019 survey of Cuyahoga County shoppers, 72% were in favor of a plastic bag ban.
• Join a growing sustainability movement. Many retailers that have taken steps to eliminate plastic bags at checkout counters view it as a benefit to their brand and another demonstration of their care for customers and the community.
• Save on overhead costs. Reduce overall use – and costs – for plastic checkout bags by encouraging customers to bring their own reusable bags.
• Help protect Lake Erie and our communities. By working to create neighborhoods and waterways free from plastic bag litter and chemicals, you are protecting our most valuable resources and ensuring that we as a region are economically competitive, healthy, and thriving.

Guidance documents are available for retailers. See details or contact us for more information..

Tell me about the Sustainable Stores Program.

The Sustainable Stores Program was created to support retailers’ efforts to eliminate plastic checkout bags from their operations while educating consumers about retailers who are taking this important step to reduce plastic waste.

The Sustainable Stores grant program, guided by the Cuyahoga County Department of Sustainability, was offered in 2023 and 2024. Applications were open to small businesses and nonprofits, and grant dollars were distributed to these awardees:

• Burton, Bell, Carr Development
• City of University Heights
• Cleveland Public Library
• Cleveland Roots
• Doki Doki Kawaii Shop
• East Mt. Zion Baptist Church
• Hispanic Business Center / CentroVilla25
• One South Euclid

My business or organization is interested in learning more about reducing waste and recycling in a non-residential setting. 

Our agency, the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District, has a dedicated staff member who assists businesses, corporations, nonprofits, and other organizations in reducing waste and recycling in a business setting or retail space. It's good for the environment and can help improve your bottom line. Contact our business recycling specialist.