California Moves to Strengthen Plastic Bag Ban

Legislation aims to eliminate loopholes allowing the sale of thicker plastic bags, addressing the state's growing plastic waste problem.

Two new bills introduced in the California legislature seek to close loopholes in the state's plastic bag ban, targeting the sale of thicker, so-called 'reusable' plastic bags.
The proposed legislation follows a decade after the original ban, amid rising plastic waste and environmental concerns.
If passed, the bills would prohibit the distribution of all plastic bags in California stores starting January 1, 2026.
Environmental advocates argue that the current law's exemptions have led to an increase in plastic waste, with the state seeing a 47% jump in discarded plastic bag tonnage since the ban.
The move is supported by the California Grocers Association and follows similar successful legislation in other states, aiming for a more sustainable approach to plastic use.