Now is the time to act. Plastic bags are costing your jurisdiction and other local and state agencies millions each year in cleanup costs alone. Despite their lightweight and compact characteristics, plastic bags disproportionately impact the solid waste and recycling stream and persist in the environment even after they have broken down.

In California, 14 billion plastic bags are distributed annually, and only 3% are recycled. Plastic bag ordinances currently cover 16 percent of the state’s population.

Local governments, who are primarily responsible for the cleanup of plastic litter in clogged stormwater systems and polluted waterways, should move ahead with local bag ordinances immediately. Not sure where to start? Check out our Bag Ban Tool Kit.

With the recent Supreme Court decision that the City of Manhattan Beach does not need an environmental impact report (EIR) to enact its plastic bag ordinance, the door has been opened for other local jurisdictions to move forward with their own bans.

Plastic Bag News:

NEW! Feb 15 - Millbrae Adopts Bag Ban, 19 Ordinances Cover 40 CA Cities and Counties

Dec 16 - LA City Committed to Banning Single-Use Plastic Bags

Oct 3 - Big Plastic Suing LA County's Bag Ordinance 

Sept 27 - Marin Superior Court Ruling on Marin County Bag Ordinance

Jul 14 - Supreme Court Ruling on Manhattan Beach Bag Ordinance

Links to All Latest Plastic Bag News Articles

Learn More Here:

List of Local Ordinances Passed in California

Plastic Bags

Bag Ban Toolkit

Plastic Litter and Waste Reduction Campaign

Take Action on Local Ordinances to Restrict Plastic Pollution 

We're fighting to stop plastic bag pollution, but in order to continue, we need your help. Donate to CAW today or join our membership listserve and help the Campaign to End Single Use Plastic Bags.