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Starting January 1, 2026:

New State Law Bans Plastic Bags 

In 2025, the Alameda County Waste Management Authority amended the existing county-wide bag ordinance to align with California state law SB 1053, which bans all types of film plastic bags at checkout.

Starting January 1, 2026, most stores that sell food and/or liquor are prohibited from providing, distributing, or selling a film plastic checkout bag to a consumer at the point of sale, except for recycled paper bags for a minimum 10 cent fee.

The updated law affects most stores that sell food and/or liquor, including:

  • Grocery stores
  • Liquor stores
  • Food marts
  • Convenience stores
  • Retail stores with a pharmacy

If you recently received a letter about this updated law, your business falls under the 'state regulated' category described above.  The letter is available here in multiple languages. Please contact us if you have any questions.

The Ordinance Overview page has additional details about which stores are affected, including information for restaurants and locally regulated stores.  The full definitions of state and locally regulated stores are provided in the amended county-wide ordinance.  More information on state law SB 1053 can be found here.

 

Requirements for affected stores starting January 1, 2026:

1.  No more plastic bags.

Stores cannot distribute film plastic bags of any type at point of sale, including self-checkout kiosks, in-store pickup, curbside delivery, or home delivery.
Any existing supply of plastic checkout bags should be used up before January 1, 2026.

2.  Charge at least 10 cents for compliant paper bags.

Stores may offer recycled-content paper bags, if:

  • bags meet the minimum compliant bag standards for carryout paper bags.
  • at least 10 cents is charged per bag AND this charge is itemized on the receipt
  • The store keeps the 10 cent charge without restriction on their use.

Additional Notes:

  • Small signs will be mailed to businesses by November 2025 to help inform your customers about the new requirements.

  • You may request free postcards be mailed to your store to help inform customers about the new law.

  • Bags (without handles) used for protection of goods (produce, meats, bulk items, Rx bags, etc) are not affected by the expanded State law.

  • State law SB 1053 requires stores to provide a recycled paper bag at no cost at the point of sale to customers participating in WIC and CalFresh/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP).

 

 
 

Plastic bags are one of the most common litter items found in our waterways, and plastic pollution is a growing threat to oceans and marine life. Plastic bags take hundreds of years to break down or decompose, causing a cumulative litter problem. Shopping with reusable bags helps reduce litter and waste, protects creeks and the bay, and conserves natural resources. 

 

Thank you for doing your part!