Would You Like Paper or…?

Beginning January 1, 2026, plastic bags will not be offered at grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, and liquor stores in California. Under SB 1053, these stores will only be allowed to distribute recycled paper bags to customers for a minimum charge of ten cents per bag. Since 2014 there has been a ban on the distribution of disposable plastic bags at grocery stores. However, plastic bags made of thicker plastic were considered reusable under the 2014 bag ban, and stores were allowed to offer them to customers as reusable bags.  The new law closes this loophole by removing the designation of thicker plastic bags as reusable. Customers are still encouraged to bring their own bags to stores. The State’s waste characterization studies show why the new law is needed. In 2004, Californians disposed of roughly 8 pounds of plastic grocery and merchandise bags per person per year. By 2021, that number increased to 11 pounds per person, despite the earlier bag ban.  Customers rarely used the thicker plastic bags more than once and instead the bags went to the landfill, resulting in an increase in the tonnage of waste from plastic grocery and merchandise bags. 

According to Hayward’s waste haulers, plastic bags are not recyclable and often get stuck in the machinery at their recycling centers. Removing the bags requires stopping the recycling machinery to allow employees to manually remove the blockage.  In August of 2024 the LA Times reached out to municipal and city recycling centers around the state and was unable to find a center that accepts plastic bags for recycling.   

To help keep the recycling system running smoothly, please don’t place recyclables in a plastic bag. Simply drop your loose recyclables into your blue cart for curbside collection. Plastic bags belong in the trash cart. The film plastic bag isn’t recyclable and makes it more difficult for your hauler to sort items that truly are recyclable.    

Instead of receiving a paper bag at the store in 2026, consider making a resolution to bring a bag you already own to carry your purchases. Studies have shown that using a bag you already own is the most sustainable option.  

Tips from StopWaste to Remember Your Reusable Bag 

• Put coupons in your bag and keep it by the door.
• Keep reusable bags in the back seat of your car.
• Keep compact reusable bags in a purse, pocket or backpack.