All plastic bags to be banned at California grocery stores

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): In 2013, the South Lake Tahoe City Council voted to ban all single use plastic bags in grocery stores starting on January 1, 2014. In response, shoppers could bring their own bags, or they could purchase paper or a stronger plastic bag that was meant for multiple uses.

The plastic bags are no longer going to be available in California. Beginning January 1, 2026, stores will only be allowed to distribute recycled paper bags to customers at the point of sale. 

South Lake Tahoe stores are beginning to phase out the plastic bags they have in stock so shoppers should be prepared to bring their own bags before the end of the year.

After January 1, customers may not receive single-use plastic carryout bags from most:

·         Grocery stores

·         Retail stores with a pharmacy

·         Convenience stores

·         Food marts

·         Liquor stores

The updated ban, signed in 2024, is intended to address concerns that the thicker bags were not being reused enough and were not significantly reducing overall plastic waste. 

Last week, California’s Department of Justice (DOJ) has secured a $1.75 million settlement with four plastic bag manufacturers for falsely claiming their bags were recyclable and is also suing three other companies over similar claims. The settlement requires the four companies to stop selling plastic bags in California and pay the penalty for violating state environmental and advertising laws, particularly the requirements of SB 270. The DOJ alleges the manufacturers couldn’t prove their bags were genuinely recyclable in California, and the new lawsuit against three more companies is to address continued deceptive marketing practices. 

The state contends that the bags were labeled as “recyclable” and used the “chasing arrows” symbol, but the manufacturers could not provide sufficient evidence that they were actually recyclable through California’s recycling streams.

Key provisions of the ban

·         Effective date: The ban takes effect on January 1, 2026.

·         Bag options at checkout:

o    Stores must offer recycled paper bags for a minimum of 10 cents.

o    Customers can use their own reusable bags.

·         Paper bag requirements:

o    Starting in 2028, all paper bags sold must contain at least 50% post-consumer recycled material.

·         Bag exceptions: The ban does not apply to certain bags, including:

o    Bags used for prescriptions.

o    Handle-less bags used to protect items from damage or contamination, such as produce bags for loose fruits and vegetables.

·         Enforcement: Stores that violate the ban will face penalties.

·         Exemptions for certain customers: Stores are not allowed to charge customers using an EBT or WIC card for a bag. 

Courtesy: www.southtahoenow.com