Plastic Bag Rules: Bakersfield vs Ridgecrest
How do plastic bag rules rules compare between Bakersfield, CA and Ridgecrest, CA?
Bakersfield has fewer restrictions than Ridgecrest.
Bakersfield, CA
Kern County
Bakersfield grocery stores and large retailers cannot give out single-use plastic carryout bags under California SB 270. Stores must charge at least 10 cents for each reusable or paper bag provided at checkout.
View full Bakersfield rules →Ridgecrest, CA
Kern County
California prohibits grocery stores and large retailers from providing single-use plastic carryout bags under Public Resources Code 42280-42288, enacted by SB 270 (2014) and ratified as Proposition 67 in 2016. Recycled paper or reusable bags require a 10-cent minimum charge.
View full Ridgecrest rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bakersfield | Ridgecrest |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | SB 270 Proposition 67 | Pub Res 42280-42288 |
| Minimum fee | 10 cents per bag | - |
| Exempt customers | WIC and CalFresh | - |
| 2026 update | SB 1053 takes effect | - |
| Enacting Law | - | SB 270 (2014) |
| Voter Ratification | - | Prop 67 (2016) |
| Paper Bag Charge | - | 10 cents minimum |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bakersfield FAQ
Why was I charged for a paper bag at a Bakersfield store?
California law requires the minimum 10-cent charge to encourage reusable bag use. The fee goes to the retailer, not the city or state, and applies even to paper bags.
Are restaurant takeout bags covered?
Restaurants and most food service businesses are exempt from the carryout bag ban, though SB 1053 and other measures may tighten rules on prepared-food packaging in the future.
Ridgecrest FAQ
Are single-use plastic bags banned in California?
Yes. Public Resources Code 42280-42288 prohibits covered stores from distributing single-use plastic carryout bags statewide. SB 1053 (2024) extends restrictions to thicker reusable plastic bags by 2026.
Why do California stores charge for paper bags?
State law requires a minimum 10-cent charge for recycled paper or reusable bags at checkout to encourage shoppers to bring their own bags.
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