Irvine vs Santa Ana
How do plastic bag rules rules compare between Irvine, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Irvine and Santa Ana have similar restriction levels.
Irvine, CA
Orange County
California SB 270 and SB 1046 ban single-use plastic carryout bags at OC grocery stores, pharmacies, and large retailers; reusable or paper bags require a 10-cent minimum charge.
View full Irvine rules →Santa Ana, CA
Orange County
Under California Public Resources Code 42281, Santa Ana grocery and retail stores cannot give away thin single-use plastic bags and must charge at least 10 cents for any reusable or paper bag.
View full Santa Ana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Irvine | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | CA SB 270, SB 1046 | - |
| Minimum bag charge | 10 cents | - |
| Effective | 2016, expanded 2026 | - |
| Exempt | Restaurants, produce bags | CalFresh, WIC users |
| Statute | - | Cal. PRC 42281 |
| Min charge | - | 10 cents per bag |
| Registry | - | CalRecycle bag list |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Irvine FAQ
Why does my OC store still hand out plastic bags?
Likely a thicker reusable plastic bag charged at 10 cents minimum, or a small retailer not covered. Starting 2026, even thick reusables are banned at covered stores statewide.
Can I bring my own bag to OC stores?
Yes. Bringing reusable bags is encouraged and avoids the 10-cent charge. Stores may inspect bags at checkout for security but cannot refuse them outright.
Santa Ana FAQ
Can a store give a free paper bag?
No. The 10-cent minimum applies to all carryout bags except for customers paying with CalFresh, WIC, or similar nutrition assistance benefits.
Are produce bags covered?
No. Thin produce bags inside the store, used to wrap loose fruit, vegetables, or bulk goods, remain allowed under the state law.
Compare other topics
See how Irvine and Santa Ana compare on other ordinance categories.
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