California to Eliminate All Plastic Bags from Stores by 2026

California is set to eliminate the sale of all plastic bags in grocery stores by the end of 2025, following a settlement announced by Attorney General Rob Bonta on October 17, 2025. This decision comes as part of a broader effort to curb litter and ocean pollution, building on a ban initiated in 2016 that prohibited thin single-use bags. The new settlement specifically targets the thicker ‘reusable’ plastic bags, which have been found to be non-recyclable in the state.

The settlement, which includes penalties amounting to $1.7 million against four major plastic bag manufacturers—Revolution Sustainable Solutions, Metro Poly, PreZero US Packaging, and Advance Polybag—will result in these bags being phased out earlier than previously mandated. Under the terms of the settlement, these companies acknowledged their violation of state laws that prohibit the sale of unrecyclable bags.

“The evidence is clear: billions of plastic carryout bags end up in landfills and the environment instead of being recycled,” Bonta stated. “Our legal actions today make it clear: No corporation is above the law.”

California’s original ban on flimsy plastic bags was signed into law by former Governor Jerry Brown in 2014 and reaffirmed by voters through Proposition 67 in 2016. The law allowed for thicker bags under the condition that they were reusable or recyclable. However, investigations revealed that the thicker bags were not being recycled as claimed, with many ending up in landfills or incinerators.

Research conducted in 2023 highlighted the ineffectiveness of bag recycling efforts. Journalists equipped with electronic tracking tags found that of 46 bundles of plastic bags placed in recycling bins at major retailers such as Walmart and Target, only four reached recycling centers. The majority were diverted to landfills or stopped at non-recycling transfer stations.

Environmental groups have welcomed the settlement, emphasizing the need for effective waste management. “It doesn’t make sense for something you use for minutes to last for centuries,” said Nick Lapis, director of advocacy for Californians Against Waste. His organization highlights the harmful impact of plastic bags on wildlife, as they can be ingested by marine animals or cause entanglement.

The new regulation takes effect on January 1, 2026, but the settlement will expedite the removal of these plastic bags from the market, with many stores expected to stop selling them before the end of this year. While some retail stores, such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, have already transitioned to paper bags, shoppers will still have the option to bring their own reusable bags.

Despite the environmental benefits acknowledged by advocates, the legislation has faced criticism from some quarters. Opponents, including certain retail and grocery industry associations, argue that the regulations are excessive. Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher has previously voiced concerns about the necessity of such mandates.

Environmental advocates, however, point to the success of similar bans in reducing litter. In 2009, plastic grocery bags accounted for 8.7% of litter found during California’s annual Coastal Cleanup Day. By 2022, that figure had dropped to just 1.6%. “If anyone ever tells you plastic bag bans don’t work, this proves them wrong,” said Eben Schwartz, marine debris program manager at the California Coastal Commission, calling the reduction a significant success.

In summary, California’s initiative to phase out all plastic bags is a decisive step in addressing environmental pollution, reflecting the state’s commitment to sustainable practices and responsible waste management. The settlement with manufacturers highlights the importance of accountability in the fight against plastic pollution.