Examples:

• • Beginning in 2026, shoppers at most California grocery, retail, and convenience stores will no longer receive plastic carryout bags at checkout.
  • The thicker plastic bags previously considered reusable will be phased out, lessening overall plastic consumption.
  • Consumers who don’t bring their own bags can purchase recycled paper bags for at least 10 cents each to carry out purchases.
  • “Point of sale” broadly covers in-store, self-checkout, curbside pickup, and delivery transactions to close potential loopholes.
  • Retailers have until the start of 2026 to deplete current bag inventories and implement new checkout procedures before enforcement begins.

How It Applies:

• • Grocery stores, retail outlets, convenience shops, and most other retailers will need to stop offering single-use plastic and thicker reusable plastic bags.
  • Stores can still provide recycled paper bags, reusable bags made of approved materials like cloth, or approved compostable bags – just not conventional plastic.
  • Expect major retailers to encourage reusable bag use while offering paper bags at checkout for at least the mandatory minimum 10 cent fee.
  • Online orders delivered to your home or picked up curbside will be subject to the same rules, so specify in advance if you need to purchase carryout bags.
  • To avoid additional costs and waste, customers should get in the habit of always bringing reusable shopping bags, baskets, or totes on grocery runs.

FAQs:

• • Which stores are covered by SB 1053’s plastic bag ban? Most retail establishments, including grocery stores, convenience shops, pharmacies, and general merchandise sellers.
  • Can stores give me free recycled paper or reusable bags instead? No, stores must charge at least 10 cents for each compliant bag provided at checkout.
  • What if I forget my reusable bags at home? You’ll need to pay for store-provided paper or reusable bags or carry your purchases out by hand.
  • Will the bag ban increase costs for consumers? Only if you regularly purchase carryout bags. Bringing your own avoids new charges.
  • Are there any exceptions to the plastic bag prohibition? Yes – bags used in stores before checkout, like produce or bulk food bags, are exempt.

Examples:

• • The 2016 ban cut thin plastic bag use but spawned a new market for thicker HDPE bags, which customers rarely reused the 125 times required for a net environmental benefit.
  • Californians still use over 500 million plastic bags a month, with the average bag getting just 15 minutes of use before being discarded.
  • Plastic bags are consistently among the most common litter items found at beach cleanups and often end up in rivers and oceans.
  • Scientists estimate that Californians ingest a credit card’s worth of microplastics each week just from bags and packaging breaking down in the environment.
  • Reusable bag use increased after the 2016 ban but began declining as stores promoted thicker plastic bags – SB 1053 aims to reverse that trend.

Broader Context:

• • Plastics have become ubiquitous in daily life, but their convenience comes with major environmental costs, from carbon emissions to pervasive pollution.
  • Global plastic production and waste keep growing as recycling fails to keep pace. Only 9% of all plastics ever made have been recycled.
  • Lightweight plastic bags are difficult to recycle and aren’t accepted in most curbside programs, so reuse or avoidance is key to curbing their impact.
  • Experts warn that plastic leaches toxic chemicals and breaks down into microplastics that contaminate water, food, and even human blood.
  • Governments worldwide are pursuing plastic bag restrictions and bans to stem the rising tide of waste and catalyze a shift to sustainable alternatives.

FAQs:

• • Is there proof that bag bans reduce plastic pollution? Yes, studies show significant drops in bag usage and plastic bag litter in areas with restrictions.
  • Do bag laws actually change consumer behavior? Research indicates bans and fees boost reusable bag use and cut overall disposable bag consumption.
  • Why not just recycle plastic bags instead of banning them? Plastic bags have low recycling rates, contaminate recycling streams, and still pollute when discarded.
  • Don’t paper and reusable bags have environmental impacts too? Yes, but they’re generally less severe than plastics and don’t persist as long in the environment.
  • Will this law really make a difference environmentally? Every avoided plastic bag helps, but broader policies are also needed to curb pollution and waste.

Examples:

• • Shoppers can still use the thin plastic bags in the produce aisle to hold apples or from the bulk bin section for nuts – just not at checkout.
  • Customers can purchase paper bags made with at least 40% recycled content for a dime or more at the cash register until 2028.
  • Pharmacy bags used for medication, paper bags for unwrapped baked goods, and protective plastic bags around meat aren’t restricted.
  • Grocery delivery services will use either recycled paper bags or place items loose in bins/totes to comply with the law when packing orders.
  • Reusable bags made of synthetic fabrics are allowed if they meet durability standards and are accurately labeled for consumer awareness.

How to Comply:

• • Retailers should take inventory of current bag supplies and plan to use up non-compliant bags before the 2026 deadline.
  • Stores will need to source appropriate recycled, reusable, and compostable bags and develop procedures for providing them to customers.
  • Create clear signage, labels, and staff training to help shoppers understand what bags are available and allowed under the new law.
  • Implement checkout programming to automatically add bag fees as separate line items and ensure cashiers are applying the rules consistently.
  • Consider incentive programs to encourage reusable bag use, like discounts or loyalty perks for customers who bring their own.

FAQs:

• • Can stores provide free reusable or recycled bags instead of charging? No, the law requires bag fees to avoid subsidizing their cost and disincentivize waste.
  • What if customers demand disposable plastic bags? Stores will be liable for fines and penalties if they violate the ban, so employee training is key.
  • Will all stores charge the same 10 cent fee for paper and reusable bags? The 10 cent fee is a mandatory minimum, but retailers can charge more.
  • How will bag fees be used? Stores keep bag fee revenue but are encouraged to use it for SB 1053 compliance costs and sustainability initiatives.
  • Are there any exemptions for low-income shoppers? Yes, EBT/WIC/SNAP customers are entitled to free reusable or recycled bags at checkout.

Examples:

• • Studies show California communities with bag restrictions have 50-90% less plastic bag litter in storm drains, rivers and beaches.
  • After LA County’s bag ban, reusable bag usage jumped from 18% to 45% of consumers, with most keeping reusable bags in their cars to shop.
  • Retailers spend up to 10 cents per disposable bag provided. Eliminating that cost can add up to significant savings to reinvest or pass on to shoppers.
  • Some critics claim fees are regressive for low-income shoppers and bans hurt small retailers and plastic industry workers.
  • Local enforcement teams may face added work to inspect stores, respond to complaints, and issue violation notices to boost compliance.

Analysis:

• • While there are valid concerns on both sides, evidence suggests the overall societal benefits of bag restrictions outweigh the drawbacks.
  • Significant litter and waste reductions seen in ban areas indicate the policies do change behavior and stem plastic bag pollution.
  • Industry doomsday predictions haven’t materialized in areas with bans, as businesses and consumers adapt to available alternatives.
  • Bag fees can be offset for low-income shoppers through public assistance exemptions, incentive programs and access to free reusable bags.
  • Some increased enforcement and education is expected upfront, but compliance tends to rise over time as policies become the norm.

FAQs:

• • Do bag bans really save retailers money? Many stores report net savings even with increased use of paper and reusable bags.
  • Will jobs be lost due to drops in plastic bag manufacturing? Experience shows most plastic bag makers downsize and shift to reusable bag and film products.
  • How much does public education and enforcement cost? Local agencies may see $1-3 million in annual costs depending on the size of their jurisdiction.
  • Don’t people just buy plastic bags for trash at home instead? Surveys show only 1/3 of consumers purchase carryout bag alternatives like trash bags.
  • Are reusable bags better if they’re resource-intensive? Yes, a cotton bag’s higher “cost” is still a net gain after just 10-20 uses vs. disposables.

Examples:

• • Environmental groups and legislators already see SB 1053 as a stepping stone to restrictions on other single-use plastics like cutlery and packaging.
  • Research shows plastic bags make up over 40% of trash collected in California waterway cleanups, more than any other item.
  • Behavioral studies find policies that disincentivize disposables and provide sustainable alternatives significantly influence consumer habits.
  • Some bag makers have started shifting to heavier recycled plastic films and organic materials due to regulatory and public pressure.
  • From the EU to India to dozens of countries in Africa, the number of nations with bag laws on the books has exploded in recent years.

The Big Picture:

• • By targeting plastic bags, SB 1053 confronts one of the most visible and preventable environmental threats posed by our throwaway culture.
  • The law reflects a growing understanding that collective action is needed to solve a pollution problem that impacts everyone.
  • As awareness grows, people are demanding accountability from the industries most responsible for plastic waste and looking for ways to change behaviors.
  • Government policies like bag bans can accelerate the shift to a circular economy where as little as possible is landfilled or littered.
  • With the world drowning in plastic, California’s strengthened bag law sets a meaningful example for other decision-makers to follow.

FAQs:

• • Will this law really make a dent in the plastics crisis? It’s an important step as part of a broader strategy to curb plastic pollution at the source.
  • Do bag bans lead to restrictions on other plastics? They can build momentum for further action, but each policy is evaluated separately.
  • What other single-use plastics could be targeted next? Likely candidates include disposable foodware, polystyrene foam, and some packaging.
  • How effective are bag laws in changing consumer behavior long-term? Research shows significantly reduced disposable bag use and increased reusable bag adoption in ban areas.
  • Is there public support for policies like SB 1053? Yes, polling consistently shows a majority of Californians favor restrictions on plastic pollution.

Predictions:

• • Based on other bag laws, SB 1053 could cut California’s plastic bag consumption by billions of bags annually, greatly reducing litter.
  • A majority of consumers will likely adapt and start bringing reusable bags within 3-6 months of the law taking effect.
  • Some job losses may occur in plastic bag manufacturing, but most companies will likely adapt their products and staffing.
  • Widespread retail compliance is expected due to clear regulations and penalties, but some spot violations may persist without strong enforcement.
  • Entrepreneurs and existing reusable bag makers will likely capitalize on new demand for sustainable carryout bag alternatives.

Tracking Progress:

• • Plastic bag litter data collected through volunteer beach cleanups and city street sweeping audits can show reductions over time.
  • Consumer surveys and observational studies at retailers can reveal changes in reusable bag usage rates post-implementation.
  • Economic analyses can identify SB 1053’s impacts on affected industries, from potential job losses to business savings on bag costs.
  • Local enforcement records on violations, fines, and compliance assistance activities will help assess implementation effectiveness.
  • Tracking trends in reusable bag designs, materials, and market share can show how the industry evolves in response to the law.

FAQs:

• • How long will it take to see environmental results? Significant litter reductions are often measured within the first year of bag law implementation.
  • Will reusable bags just end up in landfills too? No, most reusable bag materials like cotton can be repurposed or recycled rather than trashed.
  • What happens if stores don’t comply with the law? They’ll face fines for each violation and could have their retail license suspended until corrected.
  • Will the 10 cent paper bag fee drop over time? Likely not, as the fee is meant to be a permanent disincentive for choosing single-use bags.
  • How can I report a store still using plastic bags? Most cities and counties will have a phone or online system for reporting potential violations.

Questions: Key SB 1053 Provisions & Changes

• • 1. When does California’s strengthened plastic bag ban under SB 1053 take effect?
    • A) January 1, 2025
    • B) July 1, 2025
    • C) January 1, 2026
    • D) July 1, 2026
  • 2. Which types of stores are covered by the plastic bag ban?
    • A) Only large grocery stores and supermarkets
    • B) Grocery stores, retail stores, convenience stores, and more
    • C) Just convenience stores and pharmacies
    • D) Only stores over a certain square footage
  • 3. Which bags are banned from being provided at point of sale?
    • A) All paper and plastic carryout bags
    • B) Only compostable plastic bags
    • C) Plastic, paper, and other material carryout bags, with exceptions
    • D) Just plastic bags, paper is still allowed
  • 4. What happened to the previous exemption for thicker reusable plastic bags?
    • A) It was removed, so those bags are banned too now
    • B) The exemption remains but the bags must be even thicker
    • C) Thicker bags can still be used but there’s a 10 cent fee
    • D) The thicker bag exemption is unchanged
  • 5. What’s the minimum fee stores must charge for allowed recycled paper bags?
    • A) 5 cents per bag
    • B) 10 cents per bag
    • C) 25 cents per bag
    • D) No mandatory minimum fee

Answers: Key SB 1053 Provisions & Changes

• • 1. C) The plastic bag ban provisions in SB 1053 become effective starting on January 1, 2026, giving stores time to use up existing bag stock.
  • 2. B) SB 1053 applies to most types of retail stores, including grocery, convenience, and general merchandise with a few limited exceptions.
  • 3. C) The law prohibits stores from providing most carryout bags at checkout unless they meet recycled content rules or are exempt.
  • 4. A) SB 1053 repeals prior allowances for stores to provide thicker reusable plastic film bags, restricting them along with thinner HDPE bags.
  • 5. B) If providing paper bags at point of sale, retailers must charge at least 10 cents per bag to encourage reusable bag use instead.

Questions: SB 1053 Exemptions & Requirements

• • 1. Which bags are exempt from SB 1053’s carryout bag restrictions?
    • A) Produce and bulk food bags used before checkout
    • B) Pharmacy prescription bags
    • C) Bags for unwrapped food items like baked goods
    • D) All of the above
  • 2. What percentage of recycled content must paper bags contain to be provided at checkout?
    • A) At least 20% recycled content
    • B) Minimum 40% recycled content until 2028
    • C) 100% recycled content only
    • D) No recycled content required
  • 3. Are stores allowed to provide free recycled paper or reusable bags to all customers?
    • A) Yes, they can provide free bags to everyone
    • B) No, they must charge at least 10 cents per bag
    • C) Only if the customer brings a coupon
    • D) Bags must cost at least 25 cents each
  • 4. Can stores charge more than 10 cents each for recycled paper bags?
    • A) No, they can only charge exactly 10 cents
    • B) Yes, 10 cents is just the minimum allowed
    • C) They can charge more only with a waiver
    • D) Only if the bags have 100% recycled content
  • 5. What information must be printed on compliant recycled paper bags?
    • A) Just the percentage of recycled content
    • B) Only the manufacturer’s name and location
    • C) Recycled content, manufacturer name, and country of origin
    • D) No labeling required on paper bags

Answers: SB 1053 Exemptions & Requirements

• • 1. D) SB 1053 allows exemptions for several types of non-carryout bags used in stores before the point of sale like produce, pharmacy, and bakery bags.
  • 2. B) Paper bags provided at checkout must have at least 40% postconsumer recycled content until 2028 when it rises to 50% minimum.
  • 3. B) With the exception of WIC and SNAP participants, stores cannot provide free bags at checkout – they must charge 10 cents or more each.
  • 4. B) The 10 cent paper bag fee is a mandatory minimum but retailers can choose to charge more per bag if they wish.
  • 5. C) Recycled paper bags must be labeled with the minimum recycled content percentage, manufacturer’s name, and the country where they were made.