California’s Plastic Bag Ban: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

California’s Plastic Bag Ban tries to stop plastic pollution in stores and towns. Many people saw that thick plastic bags replaced the thin ones. But these new bags often became more trash. A new law in 2024 fixes this problem and adds tougher rules:

• All single-use and thick plastic bags will not be allowed at checkout by 2026.
• Only recycled paper bags can be used, and stores must charge at least 10 cents for each bag.

By 2026, California will ban stores from offering single-use and thick plastic bags at checkout. Stores can only offer recycled paper bags. These bags will cost at least 10 cents each. People will be required to automatically reusable shopping bags when they shop at stores. Small plastic bags for produce, meat and baked goods will still be allowed. These bags help keep food safe.

The ban helps keep animals safe. It also helps reduce the amount of plastic used, which prevents littering and reduces cleaning costs. Shoppers can save money if they bring their own sturdy, washable reusable shopping bags. This also helps protect the environment.

What Is California’s California Banning Plastic Bags?

California’s Plastic Bag Ban stops all single-use plastic bags at checkout. The first ban started in 2014. Stores then gave out thicker plastic bags called reusable. Most people still threw these bags away after one use. The 2024 law fixes this problem. In 2026, stores cannot give out any plastic bags at checkout.

• Thin plastic bags with "Thank You" are not allowed.
• Thicker plastic bags, even if they say reusable, are banned too.
• Grocery stores, food marts, stores with pharmacies, and liquor stores must follow the ban.
• Any plastic bag given at checkout is not allowed.

Note: Small plastic bags without handles for produce, meat, or baked goods are still okay. These bags keep food safe and separate from other things.

Stores that break the rules will get fines. The fines get bigger each time:

Violation Number	Fine Amount per Day (USD)
First Violation	$1,000
Second Violation	$2,000
Third and Subsequent	$5,000

Why Is California Banning Plastic Bags?

The Plastic Bag Ban helps the environment and cuts pollution. Before the ban, people in California used 13 to 20 billion plastic bags every year. Only about 3% of these bags got recycled. Most bags became litter and polluted rivers, oceans, and streets. Plastic bags jam recycling machines and cost cities a lot to clean up.

Plastic bags hurt animals. Animals can get stuck in them or eat them by mistake. This can hurt or kill them. Studies showed that after the first ban, plastic bag waste got heavier because thicker bags replaced thin ones. The new law fixes this by banning all plastic bags at checkout.

Environmental Impact Category	Description and Data
Plastic Pollution	Plastic bags blow far in the wind and end up in water.
Usage and Recycling Rates	13–20 billion plastic bags used each year; only 3% recycled.
Cleanup Costs	$428 million spent each year on litter cleanup; 8–25% is from plastic bags.
Recycling Facility Issues	Plastic bags jam machines and cause millions in damage.
Harm to Marine Life	Plastic bags tangle and hurt sea animals.

The 2024 update makes the rules stronger. Thicker plastic bags are not allowed anymore. Now, only paper bags and reusable bags can be given at checkout. This helps people bring their own bags and keeps California cleaner.

What Kinds of Bags Are Banned?

The new rules help cut down on plastic waste. After January 1, 2026, stores can only give out certain bags at checkout:

• Recycled paper bags that meet strict rules.
• Reusable grocery bags that are strong and clean.
• All allowed bags must cost at least 10 cents each.

Reusable bags must hold heavy groceries and be washable. Paper bags must have at least 40% recycled material. This will go up to 50% by 2028.

Some bags are still allowed for special reasons:

• Small plastic or paper bags without handles for produce, meat, or baked goods.
• Bags to stop spills, like for soup containers.
• Plastic film for dry-cleaning.
• Paper bags for wine, candy, leftovers, or medicine.
• Paper bags in fast food places.

Tip: Shoppers can bring their own bags from home. This saves money and cuts down on waste.

Most Affected by California Bans?

Covered Stores

California’s Plastic Bag Ban covers many types of stores. Large grocery stores, convenience stores, and pharmacies must follow the rules. The law also includes food marts and liquor stores. These stores cannot give out single-use plastic bags at checkout.

Retail Store Type	Description/Notes
Grocery stores	Stores mainly selling food and groceries
Food marts	Smaller shops selling food
Retail stores with pharmacies	Stores with a pharmacy section
Liquor stores	Stores selling alcoholic drinks

Stores must follow the law if they have over 10,000 square feet or make more than $2 million in sales each year. State inspectors check these stores to make sure they obey the rules.

Types of Bags

The Plastic Bag Ban limits what bags stores can give to customers. Starting January 1, 2025, stores may only offer pre-checkout bags made from recycled paper or compostable materials. These bags must meet strict rules. From 2026, only recycled paper bags are allowed at checkout, and each bag must cost at least 10 cents.

• Recycled paper bags are allowed at checkout.
• Compostable bags can be used until 2026 if they meet the rules.
• Reusable bags are encouraged, but stores cannot give out plastic bags.
• Small plastic bags for produce, meat, or baked goods are still allowed.

Reusable bags must be strong and clean. Shoppers can bring their own bags to save money and help the environment.

What are the Exemptions?

Some bags are not part of the Plastic Bag Ban. Stores can still use small plastic or paper bags without handles for produce, meat, or baked goods. These bags help keep food safe and separate. Bags for soup containers, dry-cleaning, and some medicines are also allowed. Fast food places can use paper bags for takeout.

Note: The law does not cover every store. Small shops that do not sell food or medicine may not have to follow the same rules.

The Plastic Bag Ban affects most large stores in California. It changes what bags shoppers get and helps reduce plastic waste.

Timeline and Updates

Key Dates

California made a plan for the new Plastic Bag Ban. Lawmakers want stores and shoppers to have time to get ready. Here are the main dates you should know:

1. January 1, 2025: Stores can only give out pre-checkout bags made from recycled paper or compostable stuff. These bags must follow strict rules.
2. 2026: Stores must stop giving out all plastic bags at checkout. Only recycled paper bags are allowed, and each bag must cost at least 10 cents.
3. After 2026: State inspectors will visit stores to check if they follow the rules. Stores that break the law will get fines.
4. January 1, 2028: Recycled paper bags must have over 50% recycled material. This is more than the old rule of 40%.

These dates are from the new law (SB 1053) signed in 2024. The law tries to fix problems from the first ban and cut down on plastic waste even more.

Recent Changes

California made some big changes to the Plastic Bag Ban since 2022. Lawmakers saw that thicker plastic bags replaced thin ones, but people still threw them away. The new law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2024, closes this gap.

• The law bans all plastic bags at grocery store checkouts starting January 1, 2026. Only bags for produce or food that might spill are still okay.
• By 2028, recycled paper bags must have more than 50% recycled content.
• The law has strong support from environmental groups and most voters in California.
• Experts say plastic bags hurt ocean animals and add to microplastic pollution.
• The ban is about checkout bags, showing California’s leadership in fighting plastic pollution.

California’s new rules help protect animals and keep towns cleaner. The changes make everyone use fewer single-use bags and pick better choices.

Alternatives and Compliance

Approved Alternatives

California encourages shoppers and stores to use bags that are better for the environment. The law allows several types of bags as alternatives to single-use plastic:

• Reusable tote bags made from cotton, jute, canvas, or organic cotton
• Biodegradable bags made from plant-based materials
• Reusable produce bags for fruits and vegetables
• Drawstring and zippered tote bags

Stores may only offer recycled paper bags at checkout after 2026. These bags must meet strict rules for recycled content. All approved bags must be strong enough for repeated use.

Stores must charge at least 10 cents for each recycled paper or reusable bag. This fee helps remind shoppers to bring their own bags and reduces waste. Customers using WIC or EBT cards can receive bags for free.

How to Comply

Retailers must follow several steps to meet California’s plastic bag ban:

1. Switch to approved paper or reusable bags by January 1, 2026.
2. Charge a minimum of 10 cents per bag at all checkout points, including self-checkout and delivery.
3. Make sure bags meet state standards for recycled content and labeling.
4. Update point-of-sale systems to track bag sales and fees.
5. Train staff to handle and pack bags correctly.
6. Report bag sales and provide free bags to WIC and EBT customers.
7. Keep records and submit proof of compliance if asked by state inspectors.

Retailers must also post signs to explain the new rules and help shoppers understand their choices.

Tips for Shoppers

Many shoppers find it hard to remember reusable bags or adjust to the new rules. These tips can help:

1. Keep reusable bags in the car or by the front door.
2. Ask the cashier to put groceries back in the cart if you forget your bags.
3. Move groceries into your own bags at the car.
4. Clean reusable bags often to keep them safe and fresh.
5. Choose strong, washable bags that last a long time.

Some stores offer small discounts for bringing your own bag. Over time, using reusable bags becomes a habit and helps protect the environment.

Conclusion

The Plastic Bag Ban means stores cannot give out single-use plastic bags at checkout. Grocery stores, food marts, and pharmacies must follow these rules. Shoppers can use recycled paper bags or bring their own reusable bags. This helps keep streets and water cleaner. It also protects animals from harm. Studies show there is less plastic trash now. The carbon footprint is also lower. People can visit local government websites for more information. They can also contact Californians Against Waste for help.

FAQs:

What happens if a shopper forgets to bring a bag?

A shopper can buy a recycled paper bag at checkout for at least 10 cents. Some stores let shoppers carry items by hand or use a box. Bringing bags from home saves money and helps the environment.

Are plastic bags for fruits and vegetables banned?

No, stores can still use small plastic bags without handles for produce, meat, or baked goods. These bags keep food safe and separate from other groceries.

Do all stores have to follow the plastic bag ban?

Most large grocery stores, food marts, pharmacies, and liquor stores must follow the ban. Small shops that do not sell food or medicine may not need to follow these rules.

Can shoppers reuse old plastic bags?

Yes, shoppers can bring any bag from home, including old plastic bags. The law does not stop people from reusing bags they already have.

What should shoppers do to remember their reusable bags?

• Ask family members to help remember.Tip: Making it a habit helps everyone adjust to the new rules.
• Keep bags in the car or by the door.
• Write a reminder on the shopping list.