Recycled Content Paper Bags

These bags can be provided at grocery, liquor, pharmacy, convenience, and retail stores & eating establishments in Alameda County

Definition

The requirements for compliant paper bags are as follows:

• Is accepted for recycling in curbside programs in a majority of households that have access to curbside recycling programs in the state
• Has printed on the bag the name of the manufacturer, the country where the bag was manufactured, and the percentage of postconsumer content.
• Contains a minimum of 50 percent postconsumer recycled materials (this requirement applies on and after January 1, 2028)

Reusable Bags

Starting January 1, 2026: these bags can only be provided at eating establishments and retail stores that do not sell food or liquor. 

Definition

The reusable bags that your store or eating establishment offers for sale at checkout must have handles and be designed and manufactured to:

• Have a minimum lifetime of 125 uses, which means capable of carrying a minimum of 22 pounds 125 times over a distance of at least 175 feet
• Hold a minimum volume of 15 liters
• Be machine washable or made from a material that can be cleaned or disinfected
• Be at least 2.25 mils thick, if made of plastic
• Have printed on the bag or on a permanent tag all of the following:
  • Name of the manufacturer
  • Country of manufacture
  • A true statement that the bag does not contain lead, cadmium or other heavy metal in toxic amounts
  • Percent of post-consumer recycled material used in the bag, if any