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California Legislature Passes Bills to Ban All Plastic Bags by 2026




California's legislature has passed two identical bills, AB 2236 and SB 1053, which aim to ban all plastic bags, including recyclable ones, by January 1, 2026. The bills must still pass the opposite legislative chamber and be signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Despite the 2014 ban on single-use plastic bags, plastic waste surged, with 231,000 tons discarded in 2021. 


The new legislation allows grocery stores to sell paper bags for at least 10 cents, provided they contain 50% recycled content. Proponents argue the stricter ban will reduce pollution, while opponents claim it could lead to higher costs and greater environmental impact from alternatives.





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