New 2026 bag rules are changing checkout in Washington and California

How new 2026 bag laws are changing checkout for shoppers

Starting in 2026, grocery shopping in parts of the U.S. is about to change in ways you might not expect. New carryout bag laws could affect your checkout routine, your wallet, and even the environment.

From rising fees to paper bag rules, shoppers are seeing changes at registers nationwide. But what exactly do these laws mean for you and your next grocery trip? Keep reading to learn how these updates will affect everyday shopping habits.

Washington recycled content and penalties

All paper and plastic carryout bags provided in Washington must contain at least 40 % post‑consumer recycled content and be clearly labeled to indicate compliance. The law encourages retailers to provide environmentally friendly options.

From Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2027, businesses that choose plastic film bags 4 mil thick or more must add an extra 4-cent charge on top of the 12-cent fee (16 cents total).

This ensures that both retailers and consumers adopt practices that support waste reduction and environmental sustainability.

No national plastic bag law in the United States

There is no federal law requiring plastic bag bans or fees nationwide. Instead, individual states and municipalities implement their own policies, creating variation in rules nationwide.

States like California, Connecticut, and Oregon etc have statewide regulations. Many local jurisdictions add fees or bans in areas without statewide mandates to reduce plastic waste.

California ban on plastic bags in 2026

California’s Senate Bill 1053 bans all plastic grocery checkout bags statewide beginning January 1, 2026. This includes thicker “reusable” plastic bags previously allowed under older laws.

Retailers must provide recycled paper carryout bags for a minimum fee if customers need them. The change closes a loophole and ensures shoppers have alternatives that reduce plastic pollution.

California paper bag fees and requirements

California stores must charge at least 10 cents for recycled paper carryout bags provided at checkout, including curbside pickup orders. This applies to all retailers covered by the law to standardize bag charges.

By January 1, 2028, paper bags must contain at least 50 % post‑consumer recycled material, increasing sustainability. This encourages the use of recycled content while reducing reliance on virgin paper resources.

What counts as a carryout bag in California

A “carryout bag” in California is any bag provided at the point of sale for transporting purchased goods. This includes grocery bags and other checkout bags provided to customers at checkout.

Exemptions exist for pre‑checkout bags for produce, bulk food, or prescriptions, which are not counted in the ban. This ensures the law targets the most commonly littered single‑use bags.

Why California tightened its plastic bag policy

California closed a loophole that allowed thicker reusable plastic bags to remain in circulation despite earlier bans. These “reusable” bags were often discarded after limited use, contributing to plastic waste.

The updated 2026 law aims to reduce environmental pollution, improve recycling efficiency, and encourage the use of durable, reusable alternatives. The policy addresses long-standing concerns about litter and marine pollution.

Paper versus reusable bag availability in California

On Jan. 1, 2026, covered California retailers may only offer recycled paper carryout bags for at least $0.10 if customers need a bag. Customers who bring their own reusable bags avoid extra checkout charges, offering a low-cost option.

Retailers may also sell cloth or heavy-duty reusable bags for repeated use. These alternatives reduce environmental impact and offer shoppers durable options for grocery transport.

Consumer choice and bag fees

In Washington, shoppers pay minimum fees for paper or reusable plastic bags if they do not bring their own. The fees are visible at checkout, and exemptions exist for low-income shoppers using government assistance programs.

In California, shoppers no longer receive plastic bags, and a paper bag fee applies if a bag is needed. These laws encourage customers to adopt reusable bag habits to save money and reduce waste

Impact on checkout experience for shoppers

In states with updated bag rules, checkout can look different, fees may appear as separate line items, and bag options can be more limited. Bag charges are now itemized separately on receipts, and plastic bag options are no longer available in California.

The rules encourage environmentally responsible habits and highlight the importance of reusable bags. Compliance also ensures retailers follow the law and helps reduce single-use bag waste in communities.

Which states have statewide bag bans

There’s no single national rule; states set their own policies. Several states have statewide bans on single-use plastic checkout bags (often alongside fees for paper or reusable options).

Examples include California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New York, Oregon, and Vermont.

Local governments often add additional restrictions or fees in areas not covered by statewide rules. These combined policies aim to reduce plastic waste and encourage the use of reusable bags across the country.

In other news, a new solar panel fee sparks a lawsuit as Ohio homeowners push back.

Bag rules and low‑income exemptions

Washington’s carryout bag fees exempt customers using SNAP, WIC, TANF, or EBT cards, ensuring low-income shoppers are not charged. Food banks and similar charitable organizations are also not required to charge bag fees.

Exemptions ensure that the law reduces plastic waste without creating financial hardship for vulnerable populations. Retailers are responsible for verifying eligibility before waiving the fees.

The internet is also talking about a new crackdown on ignition laws in this state that could leave drivers owing $5,000.

Have you already felt the impact of these 2026 bag laws? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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