California will ban all plastic checkout bags beginning January 1, 2026, under a new state law that eliminates even thicker plastic bags previously allowed as “reusable.” Senate Bill 1053 ends the last remaining exception in the state’s plastic bag rules and limits retailers to recycled paper bags or customer-provided reusable bags at the point of sale.
The law applies broadly to grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, and other food retailers across California and will be enforced by local jurisdictions and, in some cases, the state Attorney General, according to guidance from CalRecycle, the state agency overseeing carryout bag compliance.
SB 1053 Eliminates Plastic Checkout Bags, Including “Reusable” Plastic
SB 1053 amends California’s existing plastic bag laws by banning all plastic carryout bags at the point of sale. Earlier legislation restricted thin, single-use plastic bags but allowed thicker plastic bags if they met durability and recyclability standards.
In practice, those bags were often discarded after minimal use and rarely recycled. SB 1053 closes that loophole. Starting in 2026, retailers may no longer provide plastic checkout bags of any kind, regardless of thickness or labeling.
Under SB 1053, retailers may no longer provide plastic carryout bags at checkout—regardless of thickness or “reusable” labeling.
Checkout Ban Is Narrowly Defined—but Strictly Enforced
The prohibition applies specifically to carryout bags provided at checkout. Certain bags used elsewhere in a store are not treated as carryout bags and may still be used for limited purposes, including:
- Bags provided by pharmacies for prescription medications
- Non-handled bags used to protect items placed inside another bag
- Pre-checkout bags for loose produce, meat, or bakery items
- Non-handled garment bags used by laundromats or dry cleaners
Some of these bags are regulated under separate California rules that take effect earlier and require compostable materials or recycled paper. An exception under SB 1053 does not mean the bag is unregulated.
Paper Bags Become the Only Retailer-Provided Checkout Option
Retailers that continue to offer carryout bags at checkout must switch to recycled paper bags and meet specific requirements.
Paper carryout bags must:
- Be made from recycled paper
- Be accepted by most curbside recycling programs in California
- Display printed information identifying the manufacturer and recycled content
- Be sold to customers for a minimum charge of $0.10 per bag
The charge is mandatory and may not be waived, even as part of promotions or customer-loyalty programs.
Higher Recycled-Content Threshold Arrives in 2028
SB 1053 also establishes a future compliance milestone that affects long-term planning.
Beginning January 1, 2028, recycled paper carryout bags must contain at least 50% post-consumer recycled material. Retailers relying on national or international suppliers should confirm well in advance that future inventory will meet this standard.
Grocery, Convenience, and Pharmacy Retailers Are Directly Affected
The law applies broadly to retailers that sell groceries or prepared food, including:
- Grocery stores and supermarkets
- Convenience stores and food marts
- Liquor stores
- Retailers with in-store pharmacies
Enforcement authority rests with local jurisdictions and, in some cases, the California Attorney General. As with other consumer-protection regulations in California, enforcement often begins locally and escalates for repeat violations.
Operational Changes Retailers Should Start Planning Now
Although enforcement does not begin until 2026, operational changes may require lead time.
Retailers should begin reviewing:
- Bag sourcing and packaging specifications
- Supplier contracts for paper bags
- Point-of-sale systems to ensure required bag charges are applied consistently
- Employee training and customer-facing signage
Retailers operating across multiple California jurisdictions should also review local ordinances for additional requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does California’s plastic checkout bag ban take effect?
January 1, 2026.
Are thicker plastic “reusable” bags still allowed?
No. SB 1053 bans all plastic carryout bags at checkout, regardless of thickness or labeling.
Do retailers have to charge for paper bags?
Yes. Retailers must charge customers at least $0.10 per recycled paper carryout bag.
Are produce and pharmacy bags banned?
No. Certain non-handled bags remain allowed but are regulated separately under California law.
Who enforces SB 1053?
Local jurisdictions and, in some cases, the California Attorney General.
Key Takeaway
SB 1053 closes the final loophole in California’s plastic bag rules. Once the law takes effect, plastic checkout bags—thin or thick—will no longer be allowed. For retailers, compliance will depend on early planning, supplier coordination, and consistent checkout practices.
Juris Law Group advises retailers, food companies, and consumer brands on California regulatory compliance, including packaging, labeling, and sustainability-related obligations.
