California will eliminate all plastic bags from grocery stores and retail outlets by January 1, 2026, following a legal settlement announced by Attorney General Rob Bonta. This decision builds on a previous ban initiated by voters in 2016, aimed at reducing environmental damage from plastic waste.
Bonta’s settlement, revealed on October 17, 2025, involves four major manufacturers: Revolution Sustainable Solutions, Metro Poly, PreZero US Packaging, and Advance Polybag. The companies agreed to cease the sale of thicker, supposedly “reusable” plastic bags that have been shown to be non-recyclable in California. Under the terms of the settlement, they will collectively pay $1.7 million in penalties for violating state law.
Bonta stated, “Billions of plastic carryout bags end up in landfills, incinerators, and the environment instead of being recycled as the bags proclaim. Our legal actions today make it clear: No corporation is above the law.”
The initial ban on flimsy plastic bags was implemented in 2014 under former Governor Jerry Brown, and was reaffirmed by Proposition 67 in 2016 after an industry challenge. That law allowed for thicker plastic bags, but investigations revealed that these bags were not being recycled as claimed. Bonta emphasized that the thicker bags are not recyclable in California, and the manufacturers knowingly misled consumers.
While certain stores such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s already transitioned to exclusively offering paper bags, the new settlement will expedite the removal of thicker plastic bags from the market before the end of this year.
Environmental advocates have expressed support for the settlement. Nick Lapis, director of advocacy for Californians Against Waste, remarked, “It doesn’t make sense for something you use for minutes to last for centuries.” He highlighted the detrimental impact of plastic bags on wildlife, noting they can be ingested by marine animals or contribute to environmental litter.
Research conducted in 2023 revealed troubling statistics regarding plastic bag recycling. An investigation involving electronic tracking tags placed on 46 bundles of plastic bags showed that only four reached recycling centers, while half ended up in landfills or incinerators. The findings underscored the failure of recycling systems to process these materials.
Despite the impending ban, some plastic bags will remain in circulation. Retail establishments that do not sell food can still use certain types of plastic bags, and very thin bags for produce and meat will continue to be permissible.
Opponents of the legislation, including some Republican leaders and retail industry associations, argue that California’s plastic bag regulations are excessive. Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher criticized the measures, stating, “There are too many mandates on what people can and can’t do. I don’t see there’s a big need for it. Let people make the decisions they want to make.”
On the other hand, environmental organizations assert that the laws have effectively reduced litter and harm to wildlife. Data shows a significant drop in plastic grocery bags found during California’s annual Coastal Cleanup Day. In 2009, these bags constituted 8.7% of litter, while in 2022, they accounted for only 1.6%. Eben Schwartz, marine debris program manager at the California Coastal Commission, stated, “If anyone ever tells you plastic bag bans don’t work, this proves them wrong. It’s a huge success story.”
As California moves toward a more sustainable future, the ban on plastic bags represents a significant step in reducing environmental pollution and protecting wildlife. The settlement with manufacturers serves as a reminder of the importance of corporate accountability in environmental stewardship.
