On November 8, California voters approved Proposition 67, the statewide Single-Use Carryout Bag Ban. As a result, Senate Bill 270 is now in effect. Most grocery stores, retail stores with a pharmacy, convenience stores, food marts, and liquor stores will no longer be able to provide single-use plastic carry-out bags to their customers. Instead these stores may provide a reusable grocery bag or recycled paper bag to a customer at the point of sale at a charge of at least 10 cents. Consumers may bring any type of bag to the store themselves for the purpose of carrying away goods that are not placed in a bag, in lieu of using bags provided by the store. SB 270 only prohibits bags provided for the purpose of carrying away goods from the point of sale and does not apply to produce, product or bags to cover clothing that is placed on a hanger.
Will there be a grace period before stores start charging for recycled paper bags and reusable grocery bags?
No. Proposition 67 passed and as of November 9, 2016 all impacted stores are prohibited to hand out single use carryout bags. Stores are now required to charge at least 10 cents for a recycled paper bag or reusable grocery bag.
What types of stores are affected?
Retail/Grocery Stores: Full-line, self-service retail stores with gross annual sales of at least $2 million that sell a line of dry groceries, canned goods, or nonfood items, and some perishable items.
Retail Stores with a Pharmacy: Stores that have at least 10,000 square feet of retail space and a pharmacy that generate sales or use tax. Convenience Stores, Food Marts, or Liquor Stores: Stores engaged in the retail sale of a limited line of goods, generally including milk, bread, soda, and snack foods, and that hold a Type 20 or Type 21 license issued by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
Volunteer Stores: Retail and restaurant establishments not included in this list that voluntarily agrees to comply with the requirements of the statute.
Are there single use bags NOT covered by SB 270?
Yes. Bags used by pharmacies for prescriptions; bags used to contain unwrapped bulk food, produce, or placed over articles of clothing on a hanger.
Where can I get more information on SB 270?
Please visit CalRecycle’s website at calrecycle.ca.gov/Plastics/CarryOutBags.
What is a Certified Reusable Grocery Bag?
SB 270 requires stores to sell certified reusable bags in order to ensure the durability and quality of reusable bags. Stores/public can verify certified reusable bag vendors at 2.calrecycle.ca.gov/ReusableBags.
Who Must Charge for Bags
Grocery Stores: Full-line, self-service retail stores with gross annual sales of at least $2 million that sell a line of dry groceries, canned goods, or nonfood items, and some perishable items.
Large Retail Stores with a Pharmacy: Stores that have at least 10,000 square feet of retail space and a pharmacy and that generate sales or use tax.
Convenience Stores, Food Marts, or Liquor Stores: Stores engaged in the retail sale of a limited line of goods, generally including milk, bread, soda, and snack foods, and that hold a Type 20 or Type 21 license issued by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
Volunteer Stores: Retail establishments not included in this list that voluntarily agrees to comply with the requirements of the statute.
Exemptions:
- Produce bags
- Product bags
- Bags used to protect clothing on a hanger