California has implemented a statewide ban on plastic bags at grocery store checkouts, eliminating the remaining allowance for plastic carryout bags of any thickness.
The change took effect on 1 January 2026 and applies to grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, and liquor stores across the state. Under the law, retailers are no longer permitted to provide plastic bags at checkout. Instead, stores may offer recycled paper carryout bags for a minimum charge of 10 cents per bag, or customers may bring their own reusable bags. The restriction applies only to bags provided at checkout and does not prohibit the sale of bags as a separate retail item.
The measure was enacted to address continued plastic waste generated under California’s earlier plastic-bag regulations, which had allowed thicker plastic bags marketed as reusable. State waste data showed a significant increase in plastic grocery and merchandise bag disposal after those thicker bags were introduced.
By 1 January 2028, all paper carryout bags provided under the law must contain at least 50% post-consumer recycled content.
The legislation, Senate Bill 1053, was authored by Catherine S Blakespear and approved by the California Legislature before being signed into law by Gavin Newsom in 2024.
In an official statement, Sen. Blakespear said, “Californians have been ready and able to shop without plastic bags for a long time, and I’m glad SB 1053 finally follows through on the state’s original ban so we can effectively reduce plastic waste and better protect the environment.”
State officials say the updated ban is intended to reduce plastic pollution and promote consistent use of reusable bags statewide.
