Archive · 6 Dec 2025
California to Ban All Plastic Grocery Bags in 2026
California is going to stop using all plastic grocery bags, even the thicker ones that people thought were okay to reuse.
This new rule starts in 2026.
Shoppers will need to bring their own bags made of cloth or mesh.
Stores can sell paper bags for at least 10 cents, but people who get food help can get them for free.
Some people are worried because the thicker plastic bags that were allowed before actually made more plastic waste.
But others think this new rule won't be a big deal for shoppers or stores.
There are some bags that won't be banned, like the ones for fruits and vegetables, meat, and fish.
Also, bags for online deliveries and restaurant takeout won't be affected.
California will ban all plastic grocery bags, including thicker 'reusable' versions, starting January 1, 2026.
Shoppers must bring their own sturdy, washable bags made of cloth or mesh.
Stores can sell recycled paper bags for at least 10 cents, free for food assistance programs.
Produce bags, meat/fish wrappers, loose-item bags, online delivery, and restaurant takeout are exempt from the ban.
Critics argue that the previous exemption of thicker 'reusable' bags led to increased plastic disposal per capita.
- Who
- California state government, Governor Gavin Newsom, shoppers, critics
- What
- Ban on all plastic grocery bags, including reusables, starting 2026
- When
- January 1, 2026 (ban start), January 1, 2028 (recycled content requirement)
- Where
- California, at grocery, pharmacy, liquor, and convenience store checkouts
- Why
- To cut plastic litter in communities and waterways by promoting customer-owned reusables
- Ban Start Date
- January 1, 2026
- Exemptions
- Produce bags, meat/fish wrappers, loose-item bags, online delivery, restaurant takeout
- Paper Bag Cost
- At least 10 cents, free for food assistance programs
- Recycled Content Requirement
- 50% post-consumer recycled content by January 1, 2028
- Critics' Concern
- Increased plastic disposal per capita due to thicker 'reusable' bags