Chloe Zhang
In recent years, there has been a growing trend of restaurants charging customers for plastic bags. While it may seem like a convenient way to reduce waste, the practice has sparked debates among customers and businesses alike. Some argue that it is an effective way to discourage single-use plastic bag consumption and promote environmental consciousness, while others view it as an unnecessary expense. With varying regulations and opinions, the question arises: can restaurants legally charge for plastic bags, and what impact does this have on consumers and the environment?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Washington State |
| Effective Date | 1 January 2026 |
| Plastic Bag Charge | 12 cents |
| Plastic Bag Charge for Bags 4-mil Thick or Greater | Additional 4-cent charge (total of 16 cents) |
| Paper Bag Charge | 8 cents |
| Compostable Plastic Bag Charge | 10 cents |
| Reusable Plastic Bag Charge | 10 cents |
| Location | Alameda County |
| Single-Use Plastic Bags | Prohibited |
| Location | California |
| Effective Date | Until 1 January 2026 |
| Minimum Charge per Bag | 10 cents |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bag bans in California
California has been at the forefront of addressing the environmental impact of single-use plastic bags. In 2014, California became the first state to ban plastic bags in retail stores. This initiative, known as Senate Bill (SN) 270, prohibited the sale and distribution of single-use plastic bags in most retail stores. The law allowed stores to provide plastic bags if they were recyclable or reusable. However, the plastic industry often exploited this loophole by producing thicker bags and presenting them as reusable.
To address this issue, in 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed SN 1053 into law, replacing SN 270. This new bill aimed to honour the original intent of reducing plastic pollution by closing the loophole. As a result, after January 1, 2025, stores could only provide pre-checkout bags made from recycled paper or compostable materials.
The statewide single-use carryout bag ban, which came into effect on January 1, 2026, prohibits most stores from handing out plastic bags at checkout. Stores must now provide recycled paper bags or compostable bags and charge a minimum of 10 cents per bag. The stores that sell bags keep the money to cover their costs, and they cannot require customers to purchase a bag.
In addition to the statewide ban, some counties in California have implemented their own reusable bag laws. For example, the Reusable Bag Law for Alameda County includes all eating establishments and prohibits the distribution of single-use plastic bags by restaurants and their delivery service providers.
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Washington State's plastic bag laws
From October 2021, single-use plastic carryout bags have been prohibited in these businesses. Reusable bags made of plastic film must contain at least 40% post-consumer content and be a minimum of 2.25 mil thick. This thickness requirement will increase to 4 mil from January 1, 2026, until December 31, 2027.
To further discourage the use of plastic bags, retailers and restaurants must charge customers for acceptable bags. From January 1, 2026, an additional 4-cent charge will be applied to the 12-cent fee for plastic film carryout bags, totaling 16 cents. This 4-cent penalty will be deposited into the Washington State waste reduction, recycling, and litter control account. The charge for paper bags will remain at 8 cents.
The law also specifies that only compostable bags can be tinted green or brown, and no bag can use labels such as "biodegradable," "decomposable," or "degradable." Food banks and food assistance programs are exempt from the ban but are encouraged to reduce single-use plastic bag usage.
To ensure compliance, anyone can report observations of businesses not adhering to these requirements. Repeated non-compliance may result in penalties. The Washington State Department of Ecology provides educational materials and outreach tools in multiple languages to assist businesses and the public with the transition.
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Reusable bags in Alameda County
In Alameda County, the use of single-use plastic bags has been prohibited since 2013 in grocery stores and certain other food retailers. The Alameda County Waste Management Authority (WMA) expanded this ordinance in October 2016 to include all retail stores, which came into effect on May 1, 2017. This was further extended to include all restaurants in the county from November 1, 2017.
The Reusable Bag Law for Alameda County includes all eating establishments, delivery services, and ordering platforms. This means that restaurants are prohibited from distributing single-use plastic bags. Stores must charge a minimum of 10 cents for compliant bags and itemize that charge on receipts.
The use of reusable bags helps to reduce litter and waste, protects creeks and the bay, and conserves natural resources. Plastic bags are one of the most common litter items found in waterways, and plastic pollution poses a significant threat to oceans and marine life. Reusable bags also help to reduce the environmental costs of production, transportation, waste, and litter.
In comparison, some states like Washington have implemented a plastic bag ban that requires retailers and restaurants to charge a fee for acceptable bags, with the thickness of plastic bags being regulated.
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Plastic bag charges at fast-food restaurants
Fast-food restaurants in California are subject to the state's single-use carryout bag ban, SB 270, which prohibits the distribution of single-use plastic bags. Until January 1, 2026, these restaurants may sell reusable plastic bags made with recycled content or recycled paper bags, with a minimum charge of 10 cents per bag. From January 1, 2026, onwards, restaurants in California must collect a 12-cent charge for plastic film carryout bags provided to customers, with an additional 4-cent charge for bags that are 4-mil thick or greater, totaling 16 cents.
In Alameda County, the Reusable Bag Law prohibits all eating establishments, including fast-food restaurants, from providing single-use plastic bags. Similarly, in Washington State, a plastic bag ban will be implemented from October 2021, prohibiting single-use plastic carryout bags and imposing a fee for acceptable bags.
Some fast-food restaurants in Los Angeles have been observed charging 10 cents for bags, with signs posted to inform customers. This aligns with the state's disposable bag ban expansion to restaurants, although many establishments have not yet started charging for bags.
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Plastic pollution reduction
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue, with plastic bags being a significant contributor to environmental degradation. To combat this, several states and counties in the US have implemented laws and charges to reduce plastic bag usage. Restaurants play a crucial role in this effort by influencing consumer behaviour and promoting sustainable alternatives.
In California, a single-use carryout bag ban, SB 270, is in effect until January 1, 2026. This law prohibits stores from providing single-use plastic bags and requires them to charge at least 10 cents for each compostable or reusable bag sold. The money collected from these charges must be used to cover specific expenses, and stores cannot mandate that customers purchase a bag. This legislation applies to restaurants and eating establishments, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste.
Alameda County in California has a similar Reusable Bag Law that includes all eating establishments, delivery services, and ordering platforms. This law prohibits the distribution of single-use plastic bags by restaurants and their associated delivery services.
Washington State has also taken initiatives to reduce plastic bag pollution. From January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027, retailers and restaurants in Washington must collect a 12-cent charge for plastic film carryout bags given to customers. Additionally, an extra 4-cent penalty will be applied to thicker plastic bags, with those funds deposited into a waste reduction and recycling account. These measures are designed to discourage the use of plastic bags and promote more sustainable alternatives.
Some cities, like Los Angeles, have expanded their disposable bag bans to include restaurants. As a result, some fast-food restaurants in Los Angeles have started charging 10 cents for bags, with varying levels of compliance across different establishments.
To effectively reduce plastic pollution, a combination of legislative action and consumer awareness is necessary. Restaurants can play a pivotal role by complying with relevant laws, encouraging the use of reusable bags, and promoting sustainable practices among their customers. By working together, we can significantly reduce the environmental impact of plastic bags and contribute to a greener future.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, restaurants in California can charge at least 10 cents per bag for single-use carryout bags.
Restaurants in Alameda County are prohibited from distributing single-use plastic bags. They can, however, charge for reusable bags.
Starting January 1, 2026, restaurants in Washington must collect a 12-cent charge for plastic film carryout bags given to customers.
Yes, restaurants can charge for paper bags. In California, for instance, stores must charge at least 10 cents per recycled paper bag. In Washington, paper bags are charged at 8 cents.
Yes, restaurants can charge different fees for plastic bags depending on the thickness of the bag. In Washington, for instance, an additional 4-cent charge is applied to the 12-cent bag fee for plastic bags that are 4-mil thick or greater.
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