Long Beach vs Norwalk
How do plastic bag rules rules compare between Long Beach, CA and Norwalk, CA?
Long Beach and Norwalk have similar restriction levels.
Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Long Beach was an early adopter, banning single-use plastic carryout bags at large retailers in 2011 under LBMC Chapter 8.103. The ordinance now operates alongside California's statewide ban (SB 270) requiring 10-cent fees for paper or reusable bags.
View full Long Beach rules →Norwalk, CA
Los Angeles County
LA County banned single-use plastic carryout bags in unincorporated areas via Ordinance 2010-0059, requiring a minimum 10-cent paper-bag charge. California SB-270 extended the ban statewide, and AB-1162 (2024) further restricts pre-checkout plastic bags countywide.
View full Norwalk rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Long Beach | Norwalk |
|---|---|---|
| Code chapter | LBMC 8.103 | - |
| Adopted | 2011 | - |
| Bag fee | Ten cents minimum | - |
| State law | CA SB 270 | PRC section 42281, SB-270 |
| County ordinance | - | Ord. 2010-0059, LACO 12.85 |
| Paper-bag fee | - | Minimum 10 cents |
| WIC/CalFresh | - | Exempt from fee |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Long Beach FAQ
Do small businesses have to charge for bags?
Yes. The statewide California law expanded coverage to most retail establishments, and Long Beach enforces the ten-cent minimum charge across grocery, pharmacy, and convenience stores.
Are produce bags or meat bags banned?
No. Thin product bags used inside the store for produce, bulk goods, meat, or prescription medication are not subject to the carryout bag ban or fee.
Norwalk FAQ
Can my deli still hand out thin plastic bags for sandwiches?
Yes. Bags used to wrap loose food items inside the store are exempt under LACO Title 12.85 and SB-270; only checkout carryout bags trigger the ban and the ten-cent fee.
Do I have to charge customers who bring their own bag?
No. The 10-cent charge under LACO Title 12.85 only applies when the store provides a paper or reusable bag at checkout. Customer-supplied bags are not charged.
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