California Leads the Charge with New Plastic Bag Ban

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new law banning all plastic shopping bags at grocery checkouts, effective from 2026. The legislation builds on previous bans but aims to eliminate even thicker plastic bags, which were often mistaken as recyclable. The move is applauded by environmentalists aiming to reduce plastic pollution.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a transformative new law on Sunday, banning all plastic shopping bags from grocery store checkout lines starting in 2026.

This legislation builds upon prior bans on thin plastic bags, which allowed for thicker reusable bags that were still commonly discarded.

The law is hailed by environmental advocates who believe it will significantly curb plastic pollution, a growing global concern.

(With inputs from agencies.)