California Governor Signs SB 1053 Banning All Plastic Grocery Bags by 2026

Sep 22, 2024, 08:42 PM

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed SB 1053 into law, which bans all plastic grocery bags in the state. The new legislation mandates that customers will have to use paper or reusable bags, effective January 1, 2026. This move aims to further reduce plastic waste and environmental impact. California had previously banned thin plastic shopping bags but allowed thicker plastic bags that were considered reusable and recyclable. The new law eliminates the use of all plastic bags in grocery stores, making 'paper or plastic' no longer a choice at checkout lines. The law was signed on Sunday.