California Public Resources Code 42283 (Senate Bill 270, 2014) bans single-use plastic carryout bags at most retailers and requires a 10-cent minimum charge for paper or reusable bags. Sacramento retailers follow this statewide rule.
California voters affirmed the bag ban via Proposition 67 in 2016, codifying Public Resources Code 42283. Grocery stores, large pharmacies, and convenience stores cannot provide thin single-use plastic carryout bags. Recycled-content paper bags, reusable bags, or compliant thicker reusable plastic bags must be sold for at least 10 cents each, with the fee retained by the retailer. Customers using SNAP/CalFresh are exempt from the fee. Bags for produce, meat, and bulk goods (product bags) are not regulated. Recent state legislation tightens reusable bag standards beginning in 2026.
Providing banned single-use plastic bags or failing to charge the minimum 10-cent fee can trigger civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day for first violations under PRC 42288.
Sacramento, CA
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See how Sacramento's plastic bag rules rules stack up against other locations.
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