California to Ban Plastic Bags by 2026

Beginning January 1, 2026, grocery stores, pharmacies, liquor stores, and convenience shops in California will be prohibited from providing single-use thin plastic bags. This also includes reusable plastic film bags, which were previously allowed.

This new regulation, known as Senate Bill 1053, follows on from Senate Bill 270, introduced back in 2014. Earlier, thicker plastic bags could be reused many times, sometimes up to 125 uses.

Now, in California, recycled paper bags will still be available to customers, though they must be priced at a minimum of 10 cents. However, those enrolled in certain food assistance programs may receive them for free.

Starting January 1, 2028, to qualify as a paper bag, it must contain at least 50% post-consumer recycled material. The bill aims to foster vibrant, sustainable communities while reducing plastic waste in the environment.

In 2022, California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta opened an investigation into claims made by manufacturers regarding the recyclability of certain plastic takeout bags.

The inquiry examined seven companies to see if their bags were actually accepted and processed at recycling plants across the state. A survey involving 69 recycling facilities found that only two claimed to accept plastic to-go bags, and they couldn’t confirm their recyclability.

Nate Rose from the California Grocers Association mentioned that this legislative change likely won’t cause major issues for either shoppers or grocery stores. “We don’t anticipate any significant problems,” he noted.