California to ban all plastic grocery bags in 2026
California will prohibit grocery, pharmacy, liquor and convenience stores from providing both thin single-use plastic bags and thicker ‘reusable’ plastic film bags starting Jan. 1, 2026, under SB 270 and a new update, SB 1053. Paper bags may be offered for at least 10 cents and must reach 50% post-consumer recycled content by Jan. 1, 2028, a shift that follows a 2022 AG probe finding most recycling facilities do not accept plastic carry-out bags.
📌 Key Facts
- Ban on all plastic film checkout bags at listed retailers begins Jan. 1, 2026 (SB 270 as updated by SB 1053).
- Paper bags must cost at least $0.10 and contain 50% post-consumer recycled content by Jan. 1, 2028.
- 2022 AG investigation: survey of 69 facilities found only 2 claimed to accept plastic carry-out bags; recyclability could not be confirmed.
- CA Grocers Association says the change should have minimal impact on shoppers and stores.
- Prior ‘reusable’ plastic bags were designed for up to 125 uses but are now eliminated under SB 1053.
📊 Relevant Data
In 2023, poverty rates in California were 21% for Latinos (who comprise 40.7% of the state population), 17.5% for Blacks (5% of population), 15.6% for Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders (17.4% of population), and 12.8% for Whites (33.1% of population).
Poverty in California — Public Policy Institute of California
In 2023, Latinos comprised 55% of CalFresh (SNAP) enrollees in California, compared to 20% for Whites, reflecting higher food insecurity rates among low-income Latinos (48%) versus low-income Whites (38%).
Key Facts About CalFresh Beneficiaries — UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute
Plastic bag bans similar to California's can eliminate almost 300 single-use plastic bags per person per year and reduce plastic bag litter by one-third or more.
NEW REPORT: Analysis finds bag bans effective at reducing plastic waste, litter — Environment America
Statewide plastic bag bans have resulted in a 29% reduction in plastic grocery bags found on beaches.
New Analysis Shows Plastic Bag Bans Help Prevent Plastic Pollution — Ocean Conservancy