California Governor Signed Bill Banning Plastic Bags at Grocery Stores

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed SB 1053 into law. Beginning in 2026, the legislation prohibits the use of plastic shopping bags at grocery store checkout lines throughout the state. According to the new rule, consumers who do not carry their own bags will now only be supplied paper bags.

Thin plastic bags have already been banned in California supermarkets and other retailers. But shoppers could still buy thicker plastic bags at counters. The new bill bans all plastic shopping bags.

The previous bag ban had failed to deliver intended results. It has not been instrumental in reducing the overall use of plastic. As per studies, the trashed volume of plastic shopping bags recorded significant jump from 8 pounds per person in 2004 to nearly 11 pounds per person in 2021.

Oceana, the major environmental non-profit group, praised Gov. Newsom for signing the law. According to Christy Leavitt, Oceana's plastics campaign director, the new ban confirms California's position as a leader in addressing the worldwide plastic pollution crisis.

Earlier this month, lawmakers from both houses of the California legislature approved Assembly Bill 2236 and Senate Bill 1053, which aim to impose an absolute ban on plastic bags at checkout counters.

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