At state regulated retail stores:
As of January 1, 2026 - certain retail stores are affected by the state-wide law prohibiting any type of plastic bags at checkout.
- No plastic bags will be offered. If you need a bag for your purchases, each store-provided paper bag will cost shoppers at least 10 cents.
- Shoppers can avoid paying 10 cents for a paper bag by bringing their own bags to the store.
- Bags without handles for protection of goods (produce, meats, bulk items, Rx bags, etc) are not affected by the expanded law.
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
At locally regulated retail stores
- If you need a bag for your purchases, each store-provided reusable plastic or paper bag will cost shoppers at least 10 cents (some stores charge more).
- 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 expanded 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
At eating establishments
- Eating establishments and delivery services can not distribute single-use plastic bags.
- Paper bags can be given free.
- Thick, reusable plastic bags can be provided for a 10 cents charge (some may 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
Bring your own bag to all your favorite retail shops and eating establishments!
Additional information about the bag law:
When did the law take effect?
In January 2026, a new statewide law will prohibit grocery, drug, convenience, and liquor stores from providing any type of plastic bags (single-use or reusable) at checkout. These stores have been prohibited from providing single-use plastic bags at checkout in Alameda County since 2013.
Since 2017, retail stores and eating establishments in Alameda County have not been allowed to provide single-use plastic bags and are required to charge for more durable, reusable plastic bags at checkout.
Has the law been effective?
Yes, since the implementation of the Ordinance, data from stores across Alameda County shows:
- Over 60% decline in the use of plastic bags.
- Over 100% increase in the number of shoppers bringing their own reusable bags, or not using a bag at all.
- 2020 data not included due to COVID restrictions on reusable bags and supply chain paper bag issues.
Why does this law exist?
- Using reusable bags helps reduce litter and waste, protects creeks and the bay, and conserves natural resources.
- Roughly 10,000 tons of plastic bags find their way to Alameda County’s landfills every year.
- Plastic bags often take hundreds of years to break down or decompose, causing a cumulative litter problem.
- Plastic bags are one of the most common litter items found in our waterways, and have become a growing threat to oceans and marine life.
- Studies show that it is estimated that by the year 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish!
- Plastic bags cause processing equipment problems at recycling facilities.
Reusable Bag Tips
Purchase just a couple of items and forgot your bag? You can carry out your purchases without a bag!- Put coupons in your bag and keep it by the door.
- Hang a few reusable bags on the coat rack or door knob.
- Keep reusable bags in the back seat or trunk of your car.
- Keep compact reusable bags in a purse, jacket pocket, messenger bag, diaper bag or backpack.
- Alameda County health code allows customer-provided reusables such as bags in retail and eating establishments.
Clean your own reusable bags
It's a good idea to regularly clean your reusable bags. Below are some common-sense tips on how to keep your reusable bags clean and safe.
- Regularly clean your bags. Most fabric bags can be washed in the washing machine. For bags made from plastic material, soak in a basin filled with soapy water and either the juice of half a lemon or about a quarter cup of vinegar.
- Air out bags air so moisture evaporates.
- Designate specific bags for meats and fish.
Please see "Practical Tips for the Use and Care of Reusable Grocery Shopping Bags" from the California Department of Public Health.
Make your own reusable bags
You can make a reusable bag in 10 minutes using just an old t-shirt, a pair of scissors, and these simple instructions. No sewing!
Recycle your old reusable bags
Reusable bags sometimes wear out, but ChicoBag don’t want to see them in the landfill when they do. Send them your tired reusable bags, functional or not. We will distribute them to fixed and low income families ready to start a reusable bag habit, or recycle them into new, useful products through partnerships with artists, crafters and non-profit organizations. Mail your unwanted reusable bags to:
ChicoBag Company
c/o Zero Waste Program
747 Fortress Street
Chico, CA 95973
Questions? takeaction@chicobag.com