Plastic Bag Rules: Simi Valley vs Thousand Oaks
How do plastic bag rules rules compare between Simi Valley, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA?
Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks have similar restriction levels.
Simi Valley, CA
Ventura 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 Simi Valley rules →Thousand Oaks, CA
Ventura County
California SB 270 bans single-use plastic carryout bags at Thousand Oaks grocery stores, pharmacies, and large retailers. Reusable bags or paper bags cost at least ten cents each at checkout.
View full Thousand Oaks rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Simi Valley | Thousand Oaks |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | Pub Res 42280-42288 | - |
| Enacting Law | SB 270 (2014) | - |
| Voter Ratification | Prop 67 (2016) | - |
| Paper Bag Charge | 10 cents minimum | - |
| State law | - | SB 270, SB 1046 |
| Bag fee | - | 10 cents minimum |
| Plastic phaseout | - | January 2026 |
| WIC/CalFresh | - | Free bags |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Simi Valley 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.
Thousand Oaks FAQ
Why does my Thousand Oaks grocer charge for paper bags?
California SB 270 requires the ten-cent minimum charge to discourage single-use bag consumption. The retailer keeps the fee and uses it to offset compliant bag costs.
Are restaurant takeout bags covered?
Generally no. SB 270 covers grocery and pharmacy bags, not restaurant takeout. However, SB 1335 covers food service ware at state facilities, and other rules govern restaurant packaging.
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