Plastic Bag Rules: San Jose vs Sunnyvale
How do plastic bag rules rules compare between San Jose, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
San Jose and Sunnyvale have similar restriction levels.
San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose adopted its Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) Ordinance effective January 1, 2012, banning single-use plastic carryout bags at all retailers (one of the earliest large-city bans). Paper bags carry a minimum 10-cent fee with 40% recycled content. SB 1053 ends the thicker reusable plastic exemption January 1, 2026.
View full San Jose rules →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County Ordinance NS-1100, adopted in 2008 as the first county-level bag ban in the nation, prohibits single-use plastic carryout bags in unincorporated areas and requires a paper-bag charge. California SB-270 and AB-1162 (2024) now mirror the rule statewide.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Jose | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| County ordinance | - | SCC Ord. NS-1100 (2008) |
| Historic significance | - | First county ban nationwide |
| State law | - | PRC section 42281, SB-270 |
| WIC/CalFresh | - | Exempt from fee |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Jose FAQ
When did San Jose ban plastic bags?
San Jose's Bring Your Own Bag Ordinance took effect January 1, 2012 at all retail stores. As of January 2026, even the thicker "reusable" plastic film bags are no longer allowed under state SB 1053.
What is the paper bag charge in San Jose?
At least 10 cents per recycled-content paper bag at checkout. Customers using SNAP/WIC benefits are exempt from the charge.
Are restaurant takeout bags covered?
No. Bags for hot prepared takeout, produce, meat, and bulk items remain exempt from both the ban and the paper-bag fee.
Sunnyvale FAQ
Can my deli still hand out thin plastic bags for sandwiches and produce?
Yes. Bags used to wrap loose food items inside the store are exempt under SCC Ord. NS-1100 and SB-270; only checkout carryout bags trigger the ban and the per-bag paper fee at registers.
Do I have to charge customers who bring their own reusable bag?
No. The per-bag charge under SCC Ord. NS-1100 only applies when the store provides a paper or reusable bag at checkout. Customer-supplied bags are not charged at all.
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