California bans plastic bags at checkout, requires recycled paper bags starting 2026

California's SB 1053 took effect on January 1, 2026, eliminating single-use plastic carryout bags at grocery store checkouts. According to CalRecycle data cited by the bill's author, tonnage of grocery and merchandise bags disposed by Californians grew 47% between 2014 and 2022.

Stores can now only offer recycled paper bags at checkout, charging at least 10 cents. Two years in, the threshold for recycled material in those bags will rise from 40% to 50%.

Source: Packaging Dive, 2026. Quoted verbatim; read the full piece and judge it yourself.