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.
Public Resources Code 42280-42288 prohibits covered stores including supermarkets, pharmacies, convenience stores, and large retailers from distributing single-use plastic carryout bags at checkout. Stores must offer reusable bags or recycled paper bags for at least 10 cents. SB 270 was enacted in 2014 and ratified by voters as Proposition 67 with 53 percent in 2016. SB 1053 (2024) further restricts thicker reusable plastic bags effective 2026. The law applies statewide to covered retailers; local governments may impose stricter rules but cannot weaken the prohibition.
Violations carry civil penalties of $1,000 per day for the first violation, $2,000 per day for second, and $5,000 per day thereafter under Public Resources Code 42283.
San Mateo, CA
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See how San Mateo's plastic bag rules rules stack up against other locations.
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