Alexei Volkov
California has been at the forefront of the movement to reduce single-use plastic waste, with the state implementing a single-use plastic bag ban in 2014. The ban, known as SB 270, prohibits stores from providing single-use plastic bags to customers and encourages the use of reusable bags. While this has been effective in reducing plastic waste, it has also led to an increase in paper bag usage, which still has environmental impacts. To address this, California has also placed a 10-cent charge on paper and reusable bags, which has further encouraged the use of reusable bags and reduced the overall number of bags used per customer. This two-pronged approach of banning single-use plastic bags and implementing a small fee for paper and reusable bags has been a successful strategy for California in tackling plastic waste and changing the culture around single-use plastics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Single-use plastic bags taxed | No |
| Reusable plastic bags taxed | No |
| Single-use plastic bags banned | Yes |
| Reusable plastic bags banned | No |
| Single-use plastic bag ban effective date | July 1, 2015 |
| Stores required to charge for bags | Yes |
| Minimum charge per bag | $0.10 |
| Stores required to provide free reusable bags | Yes |
| Reusable bag requirements | Must be certified by a third-party entity, made with at least 40% post-consumer recycled material, at least 2.25 mils thick, and designed for at least 125 uses |
| Stores exempt from the ban | Pharmacies for prescriptions, unwrapped bulk food, produce, or clothing on a hanger |
| Fine for non-compliance | Up to $5,000 per day for each violation |
| Loan appropriation for reusable bag manufacturing and recycling | $2 million |
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What You'll Learn
California's single-use plastic bag ban
California has a single-use plastic bag ban, SB 270, which was enacted in 2014. Under this law, Californians cannot receive single-use plastic bags at grocery, drug, and convenience stores. The law also places a 10-cent charge on paper or reusable bags, which is not a tax. This charge serves an environmental and economic purpose, reducing single-use paper bag waste and encouraging the use of reusable bags.
The law defines single-use carryout bags as any bag made of plastic, paper, or other materials that do not meet the standard for recycled paper or reusable grocery bags. It exempts bags provided by pharmacies, those used to protect purchased items from damage or contamination, those used to contain unwrapped food items, or those designed to be placed over clothes.
Stores may sell compostable or reusable plastic bags that meet certain requirements, but they must charge at least 10 cents per bag. Stores are not allowed to require customers to purchase a bag, and they must provide a reusable or recycled paper bag free of charge to customers using specific payment methods. The money collected from the bag charges must be used to cover the costs of providing these bags or for educational campaigns encouraging reusable bag use.
The law also sets requirements for reusable grocery bags, which must be certified by a third-party entity. These bags must be designed for at least 125 uses, be made with a minimum of 40% post-consumer recycled material, be certified as recyclable, and be at least 2.25 mils thick.
The single-use plastic bag ban in California has shown positive results, with significant reductions in plastic bag litter in various counties. The state has also seen an increase in the use of reusable bags, contributing to a decrease in the number of bags used per customer.
In preparation for the upcoming ban on single-use plastic bags in 2026, retailers such as Target and CVS are participating in campaigns to help shoppers transition away from disposable bags.
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Reusable bags must be certified
California has a single-use plastic bag ban, SB 270, which came into effect in 2014. The law prohibits stores from providing single-use plastic carryout bags to customers. It permits stores to sell and distribute recycled paper bags and reusable grocery bags that meet specified standards. However, these bags must be sold for a minimum of 10 cents per bag. Stores cannot require customers to purchase a bag, and the charge is not a tax.
- All sources and suppliers of post-consumer recycled material
- The quantities and dates of purchases by the reusable bag producer
- How the post-consumer material is obtained
- Evidence that the post-consumer recycled material is appropriately cleaned
The law mandates that the department accept proof of certification from a reusable bag producer. Bag producers must resubmit proofs of certification for reusable grocery bags every two years. Other requirements for reusable bags made from plastic film include:
- Made with a minimum of 40% post-consumer recycled material
- Certified recyclable in the state by the third-party certification
- At least 2.25 mils thick
- Designed for at least 125 uses, with a statement to that effect printed on the bag or on a tag
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Stores must charge 10 cents for bags
California has a single-use plastic bag ban, SB 270, which was enacted in 2014. Under this law, Californians cannot receive single-use plastic bags at grocery, drug, and convenience stores. Stores covered under SB 270 include most grocery, pharmacy, liquor, and convenience stores in California.
To encourage the use of reusable bags, stores are permitted to sell recycled paper bags and reusable grocery bags that meet specified standards. However, they must charge customers at least 10 cents per bag. This charge is not a tax, as it is not imposed by the grocer or retailer, and customers can avoid it by refusing to buy any bags offered by the store. WIC/SNAP customers are also exempt from paying this charge. The money collected from the bag charges stays with the stores, and they must use it to cover the cost of providing the bags.
The law also requires producers of reusable bags to be certified by a third-party entity and to submit proof of this certification. Reusable bags must be designed for at least 125 uses, be made with a minimum of 40% post-consumer recycled material, be certified as recyclable in California, and be at least 2.25 mils thick.
The implementation of this law has resulted in a significant reduction in single-use plastic bag distribution and littering in California. For example, one year after LA County implemented a small charge on paper bags, there was a 100% reduction in single-use plastic bag distribution in covered stores, and San Jose reported a 76% reduction in creek and river litter and a 59% drop in plastic bag litter in parks and roadsides.
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The impact of bag taxes
California has implemented a single-use carryout bag ban, SB 270, which prohibits the distribution of single-use plastic bags at grocery, drug, and convenience stores. The bill also encourages the use of reusable bags by imposing a mandatory charge of at least 10 cents for paper or reusable bags. This charge is not considered a tax, as customers can avoid it by bringing their own bags or refusing to purchase any bags offered by the store.
The impact of bag charges in California has been significant. In LA County, there was a 100% reduction in the distribution of single-use plastic bags in covered stores, and a cap on paper bag use. San Jose reported a 76% reduction in creek and river litter, a 59% decrease in park and roadside plastic bag litter, and a 69% reduction in plastic bag litter in storm drains. Similar successes were observed in Alameda County.
The bag charges have also had economic implications. The charge offsets the higher cost of paper and reusable bags for retailers, ensuring that customers who bring their own bags don't have to supplement the cost of other shoppers' bags. Additionally, the revenue from bag sales helps stores offset the cost of providing paper bags, which are more expensive than plastic bags.
The bag charges have also influenced consumer behaviour. Surveys suggest that many people are willing to use reusable bags or no bags at all, and a small fee encourages this behaviour change. In Montgomery County, which implemented a 5-cent bag fee, the portion of customers using disposable bags decreased from 82% to 40%, and the number of bags per trip also reduced.
Overall, the impact of bag charges in California has been positive, leading to a significant reduction in single-use plastic bag litter and encouraging the adoption of reusable bags. The charges have also had economic benefits for retailers and helped change the culture around single-use plastics.
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The future of the ban
California's single-use plastic bag ban, SB 270, was enacted in 2014. The law prohibits stores from providing single-use plastic carryout bags to customers and encourages the use of reusable bags. While the law does not impose a tax on reusable bags, stores are allowed to charge a minimum of 10 cents for each reusable bag sold, which is not considered a tax. The money collected from these charges is kept by the stores to cover the cost of providing the bags. This measure aims to reduce the environmental impact of single-use bags and promote the use of more sustainable alternatives.
However, it is important to address the concerns surrounding the effectiveness of bans compared to taxes. Some critics argue that straightforward bans may lead to an increase in paper bag usage or the use of thicker plastic bags considered reusable. This shift can still have environmental consequences, as the production and processing of paper bags also impact the environment. Therefore, combining bans with taxes on alternative bag options could be a more comprehensive approach to reducing waste.
To address these concerns, California's law includes specific requirements for reusable bags. Stores are only permitted to sell or distribute reusable bags produced by third-party certified entities. These bags must be designed for at least 125 uses, made with a minimum of 40% post-consumer recycled material, and certified as recyclable in the state. By setting these standards, California ensures that the reusable bags offered are more environmentally friendly and durable.
Looking ahead, California's ban on single-use plastic bags will remain in effect until January 1, 2026. During this period, stores can sell reusable plastic bags made with recycled content or recycled paper bags. The state has also appropriated $2 million to promote the manufacture and recycling of plastic reusable grocery bags, encouraging the development of more sustainable options. After 2025, CalRecycle will no longer accept certification fees and proofs of certification for reusable grocery bags, indicating a potential shift in the regulatory landscape.
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Frequently asked questions
No, reusable plastic bags are not taxed in California. However, stores are required to sell them for a minimum of 10 cents per bag.
The 10-cent charge on reusable bags serves an environmental and economic purpose. It reduces the use of single-use bags and encourages customers to bring their own bags, reducing the environmental impact of disposable bags.
Yes, WIC/SNAP customers are exempt from paying the 10-cent charge on reusable bags in California. Additionally, stores are required to provide a free reusable bag or recycled paper bag to customers using certain payment methods.
