Why It Matters
The new legislation aligns with the intent of a 2016 law that banned single-use plastic bags but allowed stores to sell thicker, reusable bags. However, according to state Sen. Catherine Blakespear, these thicker bags have rarely been reused or recycled, contributing to pollution and landfill waste.
Environmental Impact
Blakespear highlighted the rise in plastic waste over the years. Research shows that Californians disposed of 231,072 tons of plastic grocery bags in 2021—an increase from 147,038 tons in 2004. Plastic grocery bags have consistently ranked among the top 10 most common items collected by California Coastal Cleanup Day volunteers in seven of the past 10 years.
According to Anja Brandon from the Ocean Conservancy, volunteers collected enough plastic bags over the past decade to span the length of the Golden Gate Bridge nearly 30 times. She also emphasized that plastic bags are among the top five deadliest forms of pollution to marine life.
Exclusions
The new law excludes plastic bags used for produce or food items that could cause contamination, such as raw meat. Shoppers will now only have the option to purchase paper bags if they don’t bring reusable ones.
Reactions
Blakespear praised the law as a straightforward approach to reducing plastic bag pollution, stating that consumers will no longer have to choose between paper or plastic but will only be asked if they want a paper bag.
However, Erin Hass, executive director of the American Recyclable Plastic Bag Alliance, expressed disappointment. She argued that similar laws in places like New Jersey and Canada have led to increased use of imported non-recyclable plastic-cloth bags, which also harm the environment.
Conclusion
California’s new plastic bag ban aims to curb plastic pollution by promoting reusable alternatives and will take full effect in 2026.