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# David Pisarra: Discrimination is part of every choice we make
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-bagging-it-once-again-editor/
- Published: 2007-06-05T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T00:58:29.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Anita Roglich Santa Monica*

As a lifelong recycler (or as long as recycling has been around), I wholeheartedly support banning plastic bags at grocery stores. But the reason for my e-mail is... that CGA members Ralphs and Albertsons “pay customers anywhere from 3 cents to 5 cents for each plastic bag they bring in.” (“Putting plastic on notice,” April 18, page 11). I have recycled plastic bags at every single grocery store in Santa Monica and none has ever paid me anything.

And how exactly would customers know they can get paid? The current grocery store recycle bins are very small and always full and overflowing (which I have pointed out to stores frequently when I am dropping off my bags). So I don’t think that was an accurate statement on the part of the CGA. If they truly support recycling efforts, they would address the small bins and also promote that they are paying to have plastic bags recycled. Then more people might recycle.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 5, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/060507.pdf?ref=smdp.com)