California SB 270 and SB 1046 ban single-use plastic carryout bags at OC grocery stores, pharmacies, and large retailers; reusable or paper bags require a 10-cent minimum charge.
Statewide California law since 2016 (Proposition 67 affirmed SB 270) prohibits grocery stores, supermarkets, drugstores, pharmacies, and convenience stores from providing thin single-use plastic carryout bags. Stores may sell recycled paper bags or thicker reusable plastic bags for at least 10 cents each, with revenue retained by the store. SB 1046 (2024) further bans the thicker reusable plastic bags starting January 1, 2026, allowing only paper recycled-content bags or true reusables. Restaurants, hardware stores, and produce bags are exempt. OC HCA and city code enforcement handle complaints; CalRecycle oversees retailer compliance.
Retailers face civil penalties of $1,000 first day, $2,000 second, and $5,000 each subsequent day per violation. Enforcement is typically complaint-driven through city or county code agencies.
Orange County, CA
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Orange County, CA
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Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County allows the conversion of an existing garage, carport, or accessory structure into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) under Section...
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County requires every pool/spa deeper than 18 inches to be enclosed by a barrier at least 60 inches (5 ft) high under California Health...
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County allows ADUs on any residentially zoned lot under OC Zoning Code (Title 7, Division 9) and California Government Code §65852.2 (A...
Orange County, CA
Orange County does not levy a general gross-receipts business tax in unincorporated areas; businesses obtain a county business license tied to zoning, while ...
See how Orange County's plastic bag rules rules stack up against other locations.
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