California’s ban on single-use plastic bags, enacted by SB 1053 in September 2024, will take effect on January 1, 2026.
The new law eliminates the exemption that allowed thicker plastic bags at checkout, meaning most retailers will only offer paper bags (for a fee) or require customers to use their own reusable bags. This legislation updates the original 2014 ban to address the increase in plastic waste caused by the thicker, supposedly “reusable” bags that were previously allowed.
Effective date: January 1, 2026.
Banned items: All single-use plastic bags at grocery and other retail checkouts.
Retailers can offer paper bags, which must be made with a minimum of 40% postconsumer recycled material and will likely cost at least 10 cents each.
Customers can either bring their own reusable bags or purchase paper bags at checkout.
The change is to address the continued increase in plastic waste, as thicker bags were often not recycled and contributed to pollution.
Previous legislation
2014 ban (SB 270): California was the first state to ban single-use plastic grocery bags.
2016 voter-approved law: This law initially had a loophole that allowed for thicker, so-called “reusable” plastic bags at checkouts.
2024 legislation (SB 1053): This bill closes the loophole and creates a more comprehensive ban.