California bans all film grocery bags — even “reusable” plastic — ahead of statewide rollout in 2026
California will ban all film plastic grocery bags — including thicker “reusable” versions — statewide starting Jan. 1, 2026, under SB 1053, closing a loophole and requiring recycled paper or durable non-plastic bags for most food retailers to reduce plastic waste statewide.
- Bill: Senate Bill 1053 (SB 1053) removes all film plastic checkout bags, including thicker bags marketed as “reusable.”
- Timeline: Checkout ban begins Jan. 1, 2026; pre-checkout bag rules (produce, meat, bulk) began Jan. 1, 2025 (CalRecycle carryout bags overview, CalRecycle bag requirements).
- Enforcement: A 2025 settlement with manufacturers backed the law and targeted misleading recyclability claims (Plastic Pollution Coalition).
Background: how California got here
California first moved against thin single-use bags with SB 270 in 2014, then voters affirmed the approach in Proposition 67 (2016). The original law banned thin single-use carryout bags but allowed thicker film “reusable” bags if they met durability and recycled-content requirements. Over time, manufacturers shifted to thicker film bags labeled as “reusable” and “recyclable,” which stayed in circulation instead of disappearing as intended — prompting regulators and advocates to push for a fix.
Why the “reusable plastic bags loophole” mattered
CalRecycle and consumer advocates found that many thicker film bags did not meet the practical goals of the law: they were difficult to recycle in-state, had weak end markets, and often ended up as litter, landfill material or incinerated waste. Investigations showed claims of recyclability were frequently misleading because local recycling and store drop-off systems did not process the material at scale. That reality undercut SB 270’s environmental intent and spurred legislative and enforcement action.
What SB 1053 does
Authored by Sen. Catherine Blakespear, SB 1053 is a targeted amendment to SB 270 that bars all film plastic checkout bags for stores covered by SB 270 beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Under SB 1053, covered stores may not hand out any type of plastic carryout bag at checkout — including thicker film “reusable” bags. Stores must offer recycled paper carryout bags that meet state specs or durable non-plastic reusable bags such as cloth or woven options (StopWaste briefing).
Timeline and the changes already in place
Two key dates to know:
- Jan. 1, 2025 — Pre-checkout bags: Stores may only provide pre-checkout bags (for produce, meat, bulk) that are recycled paper or compostable; thin non-compostable plastic produce bags were phased out (CalRecycle carryout bags overview, CalRecycle bag requirements).
- Jan. 1, 2026 — Checkout bags: SB 1053 bans all film plastic checkout bags for SB 270-covered stores; allowed options are recycled paper and durable non-film reusables (SFGate reporting).
Who is covered and which bags remain allowed
SB 270 — and thus SB 1053’s checkout ban — applies mainly to large grocery stores, many pharmacies and other stores that sell perishable food. For those covered stores, the Jan. 1, 2026 rule means:
- Banned at checkout: All film plastic bags — thin single-use and thicker “reusable” film bags (StopWaste).
- Allowed at checkout: Recycled paper carryout bags meeting state specs, and durable non-plastic reusable bags (cloth, woven or heavy non-film materials) (Creative Retail Packaging analysis).
Non-food retailers generally remain outside SB 1053 unless local ordinances apply. Compostable pre-checkout bags are still permitted if they meet state standards (CalRecycle bag requirements).
Legal enforcement and the 2025 settlement
On Oct. 17, 2025, California reached a settlement with four major bag manufacturers after a two-year investigation by Attorney General Rob Bonta. The companies agreed to stop selling single-use plastic bags in California and to pay about $1.7 million in penalties and costs — roughly $1.1 million in civil penalties plus $636,250 for attorney fees and costs. The case targeted deceptive recyclability claims that helped sustain the market for film bags despite weak recycling options; advocates say the settlement reinforces SB 1053’s intent (Plastic Pollution Coalition, SFGate).
Environmental rationale and expected impacts
Advocates and waste groups point to local data showing bag bans reduce litter in streets, parks, waterways and beaches. They note film “reusable” bags are often used only a few times before being discarded, and store drop-off recycling systems rarely handle them at scale. Moving shoppers to durable reusables and recycled paper should reduce plastic leakage, lower contamination in recycling/compost streams, and prompt supply-chain adjustments toward higher-value recycling or composting pathways. Retailers warn of short-term cost and supply adjustments as stores switch to paper or higher-quality reusables (StopWaste).
How SB 1053 fits a broader trend
SB 1053 is consistent with statewide efforts to tighten definitions of “recyclable,” curb single-use plastics, and encourage refillable and reusable systems. Some cities already had stricter local ordinances; SB 1053 aligns the state standard by effectively ending film plastic grocery bags at most food retail checkouts while leaving limited plastic uses for approved compostable pre-checkout bags and non-food retail subject to local law.
Implications for San Diego, California
Economic
Local grocers and pharmacies should plan now to replace film plastic bags with recycled paper or durable reusables. The shift may raise per-transaction costs initially, and smaller stores will need assistance reordering supplies and updating checkout systems. Retailers that act early and promote BYOB (bring-your-own-bag) programs could reduce long-term costs and gain customer goodwill.
Political
Expect mixed local views: many officials supporting ocean and anti-litter efforts will welcome the change, while some business groups may press for transition support. Local enforcement questions may arise about small independent retailers versus chains; agencies will coordinate with CalRecycle guidance (CalRecycle).
Social and environmental
San Diego’s beaches, bays and neighborhoods could see reduced film plastic litter over time. Community groups and nonprofits can use the law to expand education on reusable bags and run collection events for old film plastic bags no longer accepted at stores.
Cultural relevance
Framing the change as a direct benefit to beaches and wildlife can aid public acceptance. Farmers markets and small grocers will need clear messaging about paper options and promoting durable reusables.
Practical applications for residents
From Jan. 1, 2026, expect paper bags at checkout or requests to use cloth/woven bags at covered San Diego stores. Keep reusable bags in your car and look for retailer promotions on durable bags. For produce and bulk items, compostable or paper pre-checkout bags have been the norm since 2025; check labels to ensure they meet state compostability standards (CalRecycle bag requirements).
Quote
“Closing the film-bag loophole is a practical step to reduce plastic litter and clarify recyclability claims,” said advocates — a succinct rationale echoed across state agencies and environmental groups.
Sources and further reading
- StopWaste, “Bag Laws Update” briefing (March 2025)
- Plastic Pollution Coalition, “Big win: California upholds plastic bag ban” (Oct. 21, 2025)
- SFGate, “California supermarkets — major change 2026” (reporting)
- CalRecycle, Carryout bags overview
- CalRecycle, Bag requirements guidance
- Creative Retail Packaging, “California banning plastic bags” analysis
