Plastic bag ban: California stores forced to stop giving out ‘reusable’ bags under new state law | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleHarry Cockburn & Andrea CavallierThursday 01 January 2026 14:00 GMTShoppers can avoid paying for paper bags by bringing their own reusable bags to stores (file) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)A strict new bag ban has gone into effect in California, forcing stores to stop giving out plastic bags which were said to be reusable.The new law, SB 1053, aims to close loopholes in the state's original ban, which barred stores from giving out thinner plastic bags.Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill in September, replacing the 2014 law that permitted thicker plastic bags marketed as reusable.Under the updated legislation, businesses including grocery shops, convenience stores, food marts and liquor stores, will only be allowed to provide paper carryout bags.These paper bags will be sold for 10 cents, with the change intended to reduce plastic waste and boost recycling efforts.In fullDeepfake porn, plastic bags and loud commercials: These are the new laws taking effect in America on January 1Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in