Plastic Bag Bans by State in 2026: What Retailers Need to Know
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In 2026, twelve states restrict single-use plastic checkout bags statewide: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii (through county bans), Maine, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. Many cities in other states have their own rules. The biggest 2026 change is in California, where plastic checkout bags of any thickness ended on January 1, 2026.
This guide summarises the rules for retailers. It is not legal advice: state and city rules change, and each has exemptions, so check with your state's environmental agency before changing what you hand out.
States with statewide rules
| State | Status in 2026 |
|---|---|
| California | From January 1, 2026 (SB 1053), stores can no longer offer plastic checkout bags, including the thicker "reusable" film bags. Paper bags must be recycled paper and sold for at least 10 cents. |
| Colorado | Single-use plastic carryout bags banned at most retailers since January 2024. Paper bags carry a fee. |
| Connecticut | Single-use plastic checkout bags banned since 2021. |
| Delaware | Statewide ban on plastic carryout bags at larger stores, tightened in 2022 to cover thicker film bags. |
| Hawaii | No state law, but every county bans plastic checkout bags, so the effect is statewide. |
| Maine | Single-use plastic carryout bags banned since 2021. |
| New Jersey | Since May 2022, no single-use plastic bags anywhere, and no paper bags either at large grocery stores. |
| New York | Plastic carryout bags banned since 2020. Counties may add a fee on paper bags. |
| Oregon | Single-use plastic checkout bags banned since 2020. |
| Rhode Island | Statewide ban on plastic checkout bags since January 2024. |
| Vermont | Single-use plastic carryout bags banned since 2020. |
| Washington | Thin plastic bags banned. From January 2026 the minimum charge for a thicker film bag rose to 12 cents; paper stays at 8 cents. |
What these laws cover, and what they do not
Bag laws are aimed at carryout bags: the bag a customer carries purchases out of the store in. They generally do not cover:
- Product packaging, such as a drawstring bag a candle or coffee is sold in.
- Bags for loose produce, bulk food, meat or prescriptions, which most laws exempt.
- Bags a customer brings from home.
That distinction matters. A cotton drawstring bag used as packaging is not what these laws target. A cotton tote handed out at checkout is exactly what they encourage, because it is reusable and customers keep it.
How retailers are responding
- Selling reusable bags at the till. A branded cotton tote at a small price covers its cost and puts the store's name on every bag that leaves. Our wholesale cotton tote bags are made for this.
- Switching packaging to cotton. Stores that were double-bagging products in plastic move to cotton drawstring bags as the product packaging itself.
- Offering reusable produce bags. Grocers and farm shops sell or give away muslin produce bags. See reusable cotton produce bags and tare weight.
- Branded gift bags for seasonal sales. Fabric gift bags replace plastic wrap and are reused. We compare the options in fabric gift bags vs paper and plastic.
What about states without a ban?
More than half of states have no statewide rule, but many cities and counties do, including major cities in states without a state law. Some states also limit local bans. If you sell in several places, plan for the strictest rule you operate under.
Frequently asked questions
Which states ban plastic bags in 2026?
California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii (by county), Maine, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington have statewide restrictions on single-use plastic checkout bags.
What changed in California in 2026?
From January 1, 2026, under SB 1053, stores can no longer provide plastic checkout bags of any kind, including thicker film bags. Paper bags must be recycled paper and cost at least 10 cents.
Do plastic bag bans apply to cotton drawstring packaging?
No. Bag laws target carryout bags at checkout, not product packaging. A cotton bag is also reusable, which is what the laws encourage.
Can stores still give out paper bags?
In most states with bans, yes, usually for a fee. New Jersey is the exception: large grocery stores cannot provide paper bags either.
What is the best alternative to plastic checkout bags?
A reusable cotton tote sold at the till, ideally with the store's logo. Customers keep and reuse it, and it is not the kind of bag the bans target.
Switching your store to reusable bags?
Tell us how many bags you give out a month and whether you want your logo. We reply with a price and a delivery date, usually within one working day.
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