K A S H R U T . C O M_©

December 21, 2025 from KTLA:

"New laws go into effect every year, but few have as broad an impact on California consumers as the state’s full ban on plastic grocery store bags, which takes effect Thursday.

"Shoppers are already seeing the impact – as grocery stores and pharmacies phase out single-use bags, which generally aren’t recycled and contribute significantly to global plastic pollution.

"California’s first attempt at banning single-use plastic bags in 2014 was a misfire as a loophole allowed stores to provide thicker plastic bags that were supposed to be reused.

"Now, under SB 1053, which Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law in 2024, those thicker plastic bags will also be banned, effective Jan. 1, 2026. The law applies to grocery stores, big-box retailers with pharmacies, convenience stores, food marts and liquor stores.

"Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags to stores, but only paper bags, which are recyclable, will be available. Stores that don’t comply could face stiff fines."