Los Angeles banned single-use plastic carryout bags at large supermarkets effective January 1, 2014 and extended the ban citywide to all retailers on July 1, 2014. Retailers must charge at least 10 cents per recycled-content paper bag or reusable bag. SB 1053 (2026) phases out the thicker "reusable" plastic bag exemption.
Los Angeles enacted Article 6.7 of the Municipal Code in 2013, becoming one of the largest U.S. cities to ban single-use plastic carryout bags. The ordinance took effect January 1, 2014 at large grocery stores and expanded to all retailers selling perishable food on July 1, 2014. California SB 270 (2016) ratified the ban statewide. SB 1053, signed in 2024 and effective January 1, 2026, closes the loophole that allowed stores to sell thicker "reusable" plastic film bags — going forward only paper or true reusable (woven cloth/non-woven polypropylene) bags may be sold. Retailers must charge no less than 10 cents per paper or reusable bag and keep the revenue. Bags for produce, meat, prescriptions, dry cleaning, and restaurant takeout are exempt.
Retailers face administrative penalties from LA Bureau of Sanitation: $100 first violation, $200 second, $500 each subsequent violation within one year. Each day of non-compliance is a separate offense. Complaints go to LA Sanitation at 1-800-773-2489.
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