Under of the statute, stores may sell compostable plastic bags if they are located in a jurisdiction where the majority of residential households have access to curbside collection for composting and where the local government has voted to allow the sale of compostable bags to consumers. These bags must meet the specifications of the American Society of Testing and Materials International Standard Specification for Compostable Plastics D6400. Additionally, any store may sell compostable plastic bags that meet the requirements set out in section 42281 of the statute for compostable reusable plastic bags. Stores must charge at least 10 cents per compostable bag.

How much do stores have to charge for a reusable grocery bag or a recycled paper bag?

Stores must charge at least 10 cents per bag. They may charge more than that, but they cannot charge less. The fee is to ensure that the cost of providing grocery bags is not subsidized by customers who bring their own bags or otherwise do not require bags.

Who keeps the proceeds from the sale of reusable grocery bags and recycled paper bags?

The stores that sell the bags keep the money and must use it to cover the costs of providing the bags, complying with the bag ban, or encouraging the use of reusable grocery bags through educational materials or an educational campaign.

Who can answer questions about the application of tax to bags?

The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration can answer tax-related questions about bags. Its toll-free number is 1-800-400-7115. Additional contact information is available on its website.

Can stores require their customers to purchase reusable grocery bags or recycled paper bags?

No. Stores may not require their customers to use, purchase, or accept any kind of bag.

If I am using a WIC payment card or voucher or an EBT card to pay, do I have to pay for a bag?

No. Stores are required to provide a reusable grocery bag or a recycled paper bag free of charge to customers using one of these payment methods.

Can stores subject to the single-use bag ban sell or distribute ANY grocery bag as long as it is reusable?

No. Stores may only sell or distribute reusable grocery bags made by producers that have been certified by a third-party certification entity to sell reusable grocery bags in California. Additionally, the bags must meet certain requirements to be considered a “reusable grocery bag.” See this page for information about certification.

2. Questions About Certification of Reusable Grocery Bags and Recycled Paper Bags

Do reusable grocery bags have to be certified?

Yes. All reusable grocery bag producers must provide CalRecycle with third-party certification by an independent, accredited ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory or ISO/IEC 17065 certification body, demonstrating their bags meet the requirements of Sections 42281 and 42281.5 of the Public Resources Code that apply to the producer’s types of bags.

The requirements vary based upon the kind of material used to make the bags. In general, a reusable grocery bag must: