What Stores are Affected?
State Regulated Retail Stores
Starting January 1, 2026 - certain retail stores are affected by the state-wide law prohibiting any type of film plastic bags at checkout.
- No film plastic bags are allowed at checkout. The only type of bag available to shoppers at checkout are recycled content bags, for a charge of at least 10 cents.
- Bags without handles for protection of goods (produce, bulk items, Rx bags, etc) are not affected by the expanded law.
- Shoppers can avoid paying 10 cents for a paper bag by bringing their own reusable bags or choosing to hand-carry their purchase.
Types of retail stores affected by the California single-use carryout ban include:
- Grocery stores
- Liquor stores
- Supermarkets
- Convenience stores
- Retail stores with a Pharmacy
Locally Regulated Retail Stores
- Only County-affected stores that are NOT affected by the state law can offer compliant reusable plastic bags (which can include thicker, more durable plastic film bags) or recycled content paper bags
- Shoppers can avoid paying 10 cents for a paper or reusable bag (which can include thicker, more durable plastic bags) by bringing their own bags to the store.
- Bags without handles for protection of goods (dust bags, poster sleeves, garment bags, etc) are not affected by the law.
Types of retail stores affected by the Alameda County bag ordinance include, but are not limited to:
- Office supply stores
- Hardware stores
- Book stores
- Beauty supply stores
- Sporting goods stores
- Gift shops
- Department stores
- Electronics stores
- Art supply stores
- Shoe stores
- Clothing stores
- Music stores
- Toy stores
- Houseware stores
- Auto supply stores
Rules for Eating Establishments
- Eating establishments and delivery services can not distribute single-use plastic bags.
- Paper bags can be provided free of charge.
- Thick, reusable plastic bags can be provided for a 10 cents charge (businesses may choose to charge more).
- Bags without handles for protection of goods (such as around containers of soup to prevent spilling) are allowed at no charge.
Types of eating establishments affected by the Alameda County bag ordinance include, but are not limited to:
- Restaurants
- Cafes
- Food Trucks
- Coffee Shops
- Bars
- Bakeries
- Cafeterias
- Delis
- To-Go Vendors
- Delivery Services
- Food Ordering Platforms
View additional details for Retail Stores and Restaurants. The full text of the amending ordinance is available here.
Why have this Ordinance?
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.
Since implementation, the reusable bag ordinance has had dramatic results:
- Overall bag purchases by affected Alameda County retail stores have declined by an estimated 80 percent.
- The number of shoppers bringing a reusable bag, or not using a bag at all, has more than doubled.
- 44% decrease in plastic bags found in County storm drains
- Stores are participating with a compliance rate of 90+%
About the Alameda County Waste Management Authority
The Alameda County Waste Management Authority (ACWMA) is a public agency responsible for reducing the waste stream in Alameda County. The ACWMA, in conjunction with the Alameda County Source Reduction and Recycling Board, operates as StopWaste.