Plastic Bag Bans Lead to Increased Plastic Sales, Study Reveals

Research shows that repealed plastic bag policies in Texas resulted in a rise in plastic bag purchases, countering intended environmental benefits.

Researchers found that plastic bag sales increased after bans were repealed in Austin and Dallas, Texas.
The study observed that behaviors influenced by the bans persisted even after the policies were no longer in place.
In Dallas, a 5-cent fee for single-use bags was imposed for five months in 2015 before being repealed, resulting in a temporary dip in sales.
Austin's ban lasted from 2013 to 2018, with plastic bag purchases remaining 38.6% above baseline even 18 months post-repeal.
The study highlights similar unintended effects in other environmental policies, such as those targeting sugary drinks and energy efficiency.