Plastic Bag Rules: Elk Grove vs Sacramento
How do plastic bag rules rules compare between Elk Grove, CA and Sacramento, CA?
Sacramento has fewer restrictions than Elk Grove.
Elk Grove, CA
Sacramento 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 Elk Grove rules →Sacramento, CA
Sacramento County
Sacramento enforces the California statewide plastic carryout bag ban under SB 270 (effective November 2016 after voter approval). All retailers must charge at least 10 cents per recycled-content paper or reusable bag. SB 1053, effective January 1, 2026, eliminates the thicker-plastic reusable bag exemption that survived the original SB 270.
View full Sacramento rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Elk Grove | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | Pub Res 42280-42288 | - |
| Enacting Law | SB 270 (2014) | - |
| Voter Ratification | Prop 67 (2016) | - |
| Paper Bag Charge | 10 cents minimum | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Elk Grove 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.
Sacramento FAQ
Are plastic bags banned in Sacramento?
Yes, under California SB 270 (effective November 2016). Sacramento follows the statewide rule rather than a separate city ordinance.
How much is a paper bag at checkout?
At least 10 cents per recycled-content paper bag. SNAP/WIC customers are exempt. The store keeps the fee — it is not a tax.
Do restaurants have to charge for bags?
No. Bags used to carry hot prepared food from restaurants are exempt from both the ban and the 10-cent fee.
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