California state lawmakers vote to ban all plastic bags
California seems poised to join the list of states that no longer allow grocery stores to offer the option of plastic bags at the checkout.
On Aug. 29, lawmakers in both branches of California state government approved two companion bills that would eliminate all plastic bags from the point of sale. The legislation is focused on checkout bags as opposed to bags used to hold produce or wrap food that could cause contamination. Customers would be encouraged to bring their own bags or purchase recycled paper bags at checkout for a nominal fee.
In addition, beginning Jan. 1, 2028, the definition of a recycled paper bag would change from one made from 40% recycled material, to one with more than 50% recycled material.
In 2014, California became the first state in the nation to pass a ban (SB 270) on plastic grocery bags in grocery and convenience stores. But under a loophole in the law, the stores were still allowed to offer plastic bags as long as they were deemed reusable and recyclable, which led to a surge in the use of thicker plastic bags that were rarely reused, according to reports.
“California’s original ban on plastic bags hasn’t worked out as planned, and sadly, the state’s plastic bag waste has increased dramatically since it went into effect,” State Sen. Catherine Blakespear said in May. (She sponsored the plastic bag ban in the California State Senate.) “Shockingly, some 18 billion pounds of plastic waste flows into the oceans every year from coastal regions alone. California must do its part to eliminate this scourge that is contaminating our environment.”
The bills now goes to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk for signing. If signed, the new law would go into effect on Jan. 1. 2026.
The new legislation was backed by the California Grocers’ Association and environmental groups.
“California’s move to ban thick single-use plastic bags at grocery store checkouts is a win for our coasts and communities,” said Christy Leavitt, plastics campaign director at Oceana, an ocean-focused environmental group. “Plastic bags are one of the deadliest types of plastic to ocean wildlife. Not only is plastic tarnishing California’s beaches, but it’s in our food, air, water, and even our bodies. With an ocean-based economy valued at $45 billion annually, California is dependent on a clean coast.”
A statewide poll released by Oceana revealed that 86% of California voters support local and state policies that reduce single-use plastic, and 92% of California voters are concerned about single-use plastic products like grocery bags, beverage bottles, and takeout food containers.
In a statement earlier this year, the California Grocers Association said the organization and its members are working to support and steer changes as sustainability demands have evolved.
“Beginning with the passage of SB 270 in 2014, California’s grocery industry has played a leading role in driving the state towards a common sense and responsible approach to the use of plastics and packaging by consumers,” said Daniel Conway, VP of government relations. “We know that even the best policies may need to be updated over time to reflect changes in our society, so today marks the continuation of the work that started with SB 270 and is an important new chapter in our efforts to support the communities grocers serve and our environment.”
