California tightens bag rules: SB 1053 bans all plastic carryout bags, including “reusable” film versions
California’s SB 1053 (2024) bans all plastic film carryout bags at most food-selling retailers, including thicker “reusable” film bags, taking effect Jan. 1, 2026, and tightening earlier limits on pre-checkout bags in 2025 as statewide policy.
Key takeaways
- SB 1053 (2024) phases out all plastic film carryout bags at checkout in covered food retailers starting Jan. 1, 2026 — including bags labeled “reusable” (SFGate).
- Pre-checkout bags for produce, meat and bulk must be recycled paper or certified compostable beginning Jan. 1, 2025 (CalRecycle; CalRecycle bag requirements).
- The law closes the 2014 loophole that allowed thicker plastic film “reusable” bags, reinforced by an October 2025 settlement with manufacturers over false recyclable claims (Plastic Pollution Coalition; SFGate).
- Allowed alternatives at checkout include recycled paper bags and durable non-plastic reusable bags (industry guidance: Creative Retail Packaging).
Main story
Background: the 2014 ban and the “reusable” loophole
California first restricted plastic carryout bags with SB 270 in 2014. That law prohibited thin single-use plastic bags at large retailers and required stores to charge at least 10 cents for allowed bags; voters upheld the policy with Proposition 67 in 2016 (CalRecycle).
However, SB 270 included an exception: thicker plastic film bags labeled “reusable” and “recyclable” remained allowed. Many retailers switched to these heavier film bags even though they were rarely recycled and often discarded after few uses. Environmental groups and regulators said the exception undermined the original ban and increased plastic waste (Plastic Pollution Coalition).
SB 1053: what changes and when
Lawmakers enacted SB 1053 to close the loophole and phase out all plastic film carryout bags at checkout in covered food retailers, regardless of thickness or “reusable” labeling. Key dates and requirements:
- Jan. 1, 2025 — Pre-checkout bags used for produce, bulk items, meat and deli must be recycled paper or certified compostable plastic that meets compostability standards (CalRecycle; CalRecycle bag requirements).
- Jan. 1, 2026 — At checkout, grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores and liquor stores may no longer provide plastic film carryout bags, including those marketed as reusable. Retailers may offer only recycled paper bags or durable non-plastic reusable bags such as cloth (SFGate; Creative Retail Packaging).
The state frames SB 1053 as a clarification and enforcement of the 2014 law, not a wholly new prohibition. Advocates say it restores the original intent by preventing manufacturers and retailers from exploiting labeling to continue selling plastic film bags.
Attorney General investigation and settlement
Enforcement actions helped accelerate change. In October 2025, the California Attorney General’s office reached a settlement with four bag manufacturers accused of falsely marketing thick film bags as recyclable under SB 270. The probe concluded those bags did not meet CalRecycle’s recyclability criteria (SFGate).
Under the settlement the companies must stop selling noncompliant single-use plastic bags in California and pay about $1.7 million combined in penalties and attorneys’ fees. Supporters say the settlement accelerates the phase-out and closes long-standing loopholes (Plastic Pollution Coalition).
What will be allowed and what is banned
Under SB 1053 and related regulations at covered checkouts:
- Banned: all plastic film carryout bags, no matter how thick or whether labeled “reusable” (SFGate).
- Allowed at checkout: recycled paper carryout bags and non-plastic reusable bags that meet durability requirements (for example, cloth or heavy-duty non-film materials) (Creative Retail Packaging).
- Pre-checkout (as of Jan. 1, 2025): recycled paper bags or certified compostable bags are permitted (CalRecycle).
Note: retail categories that do not primarily sell food are generally covered by other laws and may still permit certain plastic bag types; SB 1053 targets food-selling and specified outlets (Plastic Pollution Coalition).
Policy rationale and environmental framing
Supporters argue the change is backed by data showing single-use plastic bags and thicker film bags contribute to litter, harm marine life and rarely enter recycling streams. They emphasize that labeling a bag “reusable” does not ensure real recyclability when local collection systems don’t accept the material (Plastic Pollution Coalition).
“The combination of SB 1053 and the Attorney General’s settlement represents a major legal win that closes a loophole nearly a decade old.”
Critics note trade-offs: paper bags require more energy and weigh more for transport; cloth bags must be laundered and replaced; and businesses warn of higher supply and logistics costs (Creative Retail Packaging).
Practical impact for consumers and businesses
Consumers: starting in 2026 you will no longer be handed a plastic bag at checkout in covered stores. Stores can charge for paper bags; shoppers will be encouraged to bring durable non-plastic reusable bags.
Retailers and suppliers: must stop buying plastic film carryout bags for checkout use by the 2026 deadline and shift supply chains to paper or durable reusable options. Packaging consultants are advising brands to prepare now to avoid supply shocks (Creative Retail Packaging).
Implications for California
Economic impact
Retailers face higher costs for bag supplies and possible price changes for consumers. Recycled paper bags cost more than thin plastic film, and durable cloth bags require different inventory and point-of-sale systems. Smaller stores may be hit hardest; industry guidance urges sellers to plan now (Creative Retail Packaging).
Political consequences
SB 1053 tightens environmental rules at a time when leaders emphasize pollution reduction. Some moderate voters may question regulatory reach and costs to small businesses. The Attorney General’s enforcement shows the state will use legal tools to back up policy goals, likely sharpening debates about enforcement (SFGate).
Social effects
Many Californians already carry reusable bags. The ban will push further behavior change, especially among infrequent reusable-bag users. Expect short-term frustration at checkouts; public information campaigns and clear retailer signage will be important to ease the transition (CalRecycle).
Cultural relevance
California’s identity as an environmental leader frames the move. For advocates the law signals clearer rules that close loopholes; for critics it raises questions about costs and regulatory burden. The outcome will test whether cleaner beaches and waterways can be achieved without undue economic strain (Plastic Pollution Coalition).
Practical applications for residents
- Buy and carry durable non-plastic reusable bags now.
- Small retailers should audit current bag inventory, identify compliant alternatives, and update point-of-sale systems for bag charges.
- Large chains must secure supply agreements that meet the 2026 deadline to avoid fines or inventory gaps (Creative Retail Packaging).
Reporting and source notes
This article draws on state guidance and reporting about SB 1053 and related enforcement. Key sources include CalRecycle (carryout bag rules), CalRecycle bag requirements, coverage by SFGate on the 2026 checkout ban, analysis and advocacy reports from the Plastic Pollution Coalition, and industry guidance from Creative Retail Packaging.
