California bans all film plastic grocery bags at checkout, including “reusable” varieties
Sacramento, California (High Desert News Online) – Starting Jan. 1, 2026, California’s Senate Bill 1053 bans all film plastic grocery checkout bags — including thicker “reusable” varieties — while pre‑checkout bag rules change Jan. 1, 2025, shifting retailers to paper or certified non‑film options.
- SB 1053 ends all film plastic checkout bags in stores covered by SB 270, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
- Pre‑checkout bags (produce, meat) shift to recycled paper or certified compostable bags on Jan. 1, 2025.
- Retailers must offer recycled‑content paper or certified non‑film reusable bags; small bag fees remain permitted.
- Enforcement includes a 2025 settlement with manufacturers and statewide compliance expectations.
Key information
What: StopWaste summarizes Senate Bill 1053 (SB 1053), which bans all film plastic grocery bags at checkout in stores covered by the earlier SB 270 framework. Legal analysis from Hunton Andrews Kurth tracks the legislative changes.
When: The checkout bag ban takes effect Jan. 1, 2026; rules for pre‑checkout (produce and meat) bags change Jan. 1, 2025. See guidance from CalRecycle.
Why: Lawmakers say thicker “reusable” film bags were often treated as single‑use, increasing plastic waste and contamination. The new statute aims to reduce litter and improve recycling and compost systems (StopWaste).
Where to learn more: Reports and guidance from StopWaste, Hunton Andrews Kurth, SFGate, and CalRecycle.
Background: the 2014 law and the loophole
In 2014 California enacted SB 270 to curb thin single‑use plastic carryout bags. That law allowed thicker film bags labeled “reusable” and “recyclable in California” if they met durability and recycled‑content rules. Voters upheld the framework in Proposition 67 (2016).
However, many retailers switched to heavier film bags, which shoppers frequently treated as disposable. Critics argued that the heavier bags increased plastic per use and continued to pollute beaches, storm drains, and recycling systems (Hunton Andrews Kurth; StopWaste).
The new law: SB 1053 closes the reusable‑film loophole
Author and signature: SB 1053 was authored by Sen. Catherine Blakespear and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The law removes all film plastic checkout bags from stores covered by SB 270, including the thicker 10‑cent “reusable” plastic bags, effective Jan. 1, 2026 (StopWaste).
Allowed options: Covered retailers must offer only:
- Recycled paper bags that meet state recycled‑content rules, and
- Certified reusable bags not made from film plastic (for example, cloth or non‑woven polypropylene).
Retailers may continue to charge a small fee for provided bags to encourage customers to bring durable reusable bags (Hunton Andrews Kurth).
What you’ll see at checkout beginning 2026
- No film plastic checkout bags: Thin single‑use and thicker “reusable” film bags are prohibited in covered grocery and food retail settings (StopWaste).
- Recycled paper allowed: Paper bags must meet state recycled‑content rules, with a standard rising to >50% recycled content on Jan. 1, 2028 (Hunton Andrews Kurth).
- Non‑film reusable bags: Certified non‑film reusable bags that meet durability standards are permitted (StopWaste).
“The change is intended to move consumers toward truly durable reusable bags instead of heavier disposables that often become litter.”
Pre‑checkout (produce and meat) bag changes: earlier timeline
Pre‑checkout bags (small roll bags for produce, meat, or bulk items) follow a separate schedule: beginning Jan. 1, 2025, stores may provide only recycled paper pre‑checkout bags or certified compostable bags. Thin roll‑type plastic produce bags made from standard plastic resin are being phased out (CalRecycle; CalRecycle requirements).
Two transitions for retailers: Plan for produce/pre‑checkout changes in 2025 and checkout bag changes in 2026.
Enforcement and a 2025 settlement with bag manufacturers
On Oct. 17, 2025, California’s Attorney General announced a settlement with four large plastic bag manufacturers requiring them to stop selling single‑use plastic bags in the state and to pay roughly $1.7 million in penalties and fees. The state alleged the companies misled the public by claiming thicker bags were recyclable (Plastic Pollution Coalition).
Regulators say the settlement plus SB 1053 closes the loophole that kept thicker film bags in widespread use.
What remains allowed and what is exempt
- Thin compostable pre‑checkout bags that meet official compostability standards remain permitted (CalRecycle).
- Some non‑food retail stores not covered by SB 270 can still use film bags unless local ordinances say otherwise (StopWaste).
- Product packaging and wrappers are not covered by carryout bag statutes (StopWaste).
Policy goals and expected impacts
State officials and environmental groups expect reductions in roadside and marine litter, fewer equipment jams at recycling facilities, and overall plastic waste declines. Research showing that thicker film bags are often used once helped drive the change (StopWaste; Hunton Andrews Kurth).
Critics warn of possible tradeoffs: higher retailer costs, increased paper use, and potential waste if consumers don’t reuse cloth bags. The law includes recycled‑content and durability standards designed to mitigate those concerns (SFGate).
Practical implications for shoppers and businesses
Shoppers:
- Begin carrying durable reusable grocery bags not made of film plastic; many will remain legal if they meet state standards (StopWaste).
- Expect a small fee for store‑provided recycled paper bags — fees are a continued policy tool to discourage single use (Hunton Andrews Kurth).
Retailers covered by SB 270 must:
- Switch produce and pre‑checkout bags to recycled paper or compostable options by Jan. 1, 2025 (CalRecycle).
- Eliminate film plastic checkout bags by Jan. 1, 2026 and offer only recycled paper or non‑film reusable bags (StopWaste).
- Review labeling and recycled‑content claims to avoid enforcement actions like the recent settlement (Plastic Pollution Coalition).
Implications for The High Desert, California
Economic: Local grocers and convenience stores in the High Desert will need to change suppliers and may face higher costs for paper or certified reusable bags. That could lead to modest price changes or bag fees passed to customers (Hunton Andrews Kurth).
Political & regulatory: Elected officials should expect constituent questions. Enforcement is statewide, but local governments can adopt stricter rules or provide transition guidance (StopWaste).
Social & daily life: Residents of Victorville, Apple Valley, Hesperia and surrounding towns will need durable reusable bags or accept paper bag fees; the state’s goal is behavior change to reduce litter (SFGate).
Practical local steps: Neighborhood stores could offer branded durable bags or discounts for customers who bring their own. Local governments and nonprofits can host outreach, checklists for store owners, and bag‑swap events to accelerate adoption.
Key resources for local businesses and officials
- CalRecycle guidance on carryout bags
- CalRecycle requirements for bags
- StopWaste policy brief on SB 1053
- Legal & retail compliance analysis (Hunton Andrews Kurth)
- SFGate summary for consumers and stores
- Background on enforcement and the manufacturers’ settlement
Bottom line
Months remain to prepare: Stores should review suppliers and train staff; shoppers should switch to durable non‑film reusable bags. The law preserves certain exemptions and allows fees, while aiming to reduce plastic waste and improve recycling outcomes.
