On January 1, 2026, a new California law, SB 1053, hits its big enforcement date. At most stores that sell food or liquor, you will no longer be able to get plastic checkout bags of any kind — including the thicker, so-called “reusable” plastic bags that many Bay Area shoppers have been using for years.
Instead, if you need a bag at checkout, the store can only give you a recycled paper carryout bag, and they must charge you at least 10 cents per bag. That rule applies not just at the main checkout lane, but also at self-checkout, in-store pickup, curbside pickup, and home delivery orders.
Behind the scenes, the law also tightens the definition of a “carryout bag” and makes clear that plastic film bags at the point of sale are out…