California Lawmakers Passed New Plastic Bag Ban

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The lawmakers of both houses of the California legislature approved the two companion bills- Assembly Bill 2236 and Senate Bill 1053, which would result in an outright ban on plastic bags at checkout counters.

California's earlier legislation, SB 270, passed in 2014, banned the distribution of single-use plastic bags at grocery store checkout counters but permitted retailers to provide shoppers with reusable bags. The new legislation would eliminate the use of all plastic bags at checkouts.

The Senate Bill was approved by a 31-8 vote, whereas the Assembly members passed the legislation with a 56-7 vote. The bills will now go to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for signing. If signed, the new law would go into effect on Jan. 1. 2026., after which grocers and retailers would be allowed to offer only 100% paper bags to customers, who do not bring their bags for shopping.

In addition, the new legislation will change the definition of a recycled paper bag from one made from 40% recycled material to one with more than 50% recycled material, effective Jan 1, 2028.

A study conducted by CALPIRG, a leading consumer advocacy group, revealed that plastic bag waste significantly increased by 47% from 2014 to 2022 since the passage of SB 270.

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:

Santa Barbara Supervisors Endorse State Bills to Revise Plastic Bag Ban

California Advances Expansion of Plastic Shopping Bag Ban