What It Means for Our Coast and Communities 

January 1, 2026, marks a major milestone in California’s ongoing effort to reduce plastic pollution. A strengthened statewide bag ban has officially gone into effect, closing a loophole in current law that will eliminate most plastic bags at most grocery stores, retail stores with a pharmacy, and liquor stores statewide.  

Although California first restricted single-use plastic bags in 2014, thicker “reusable” plastic bags continued to be sold in stores. These ended up discarded as often as traditional bags, contributing to plastic pollution. The updated 2026 bag policy finally closes that loophole and is expected to significantly reduce the amount of plastic entering the environment. 

Here in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, plastic pollution directly affects our beaches, ocean life, and the health of our community. Plastic bags can travel from city streets into storm drains, then to rivers and eventually out to the Santa Barbara Channel, where they threaten marine animals through entanglement and ingestion.  

Channelkeeper works to stem the tide of plastic pollution to the ocean by advocating for important policy changes, by educating our community about pollution prevention, and by conducting monthly cleanups to remove plastic from the environment.    

What’s New in California in 2026: 

Full Ban on Plastic Bags at Checkout 

• Effective January 1, 2026, grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, liquor stores, and other retailers may no longer provide plastic checkout bags, including thicker “reusable” plastics.  
• Only recycled paper bags may be offered at the point of sale. 

Minimum Bag Charge 

• Stores must charge at least 10¢ for each recycled paper bag, and use that money to cover the cost of providing the bag, complying with the law, and conducting customer education. 
• Customers are now incentivized to bring and use their own bag. 

Paper Bag Standards 

• The initial requirement allows recycled paper bags now, and by January 1, 2028, these bags must contain at least 50 percent post-consumer recycled content to further lower environmental impact.  

What’s Not Banned 

Some bags still are permitted in certain scenarios, including: 

• Bags used inside the store for uncooked produce or food that needs protection (like meat) 
• Prescription bags from pharmacies 
• Bags provided before checkout to protect items from damage 

These exceptions were set to ensure safety and hygiene while still reducing overall plastic waste.  

Local Policy Changes 

The City of Santa Barbara is also working on single use plastic policy updates.   Proposed changes passed out of the City Council’s sustainability and ordinance committees last year and will be considered before the full council for this year. These policy updates include a ban on selling plastic and Styrofoam (polystyrene) foodware and takeout containers; single-use plastic water bottles smaller than 8 fluid ounces. Mylar balloons and plastic confetti; and the distribution of disposable foodware and cutlery that are not compostable with the city’s existing collection programs. 

How You Can Help Protect Our Waterways 

California’s statewide bag ban is a big step forward, but meaningful environmental progress depends on everyday choices. Here’s how residents and visitors to Santa Barbara can be part of the solution: 

• Support Local Policy Change – Voice your support for plastic policy changes at upcoming city council meetings. We will keep you informed of opportunities to engage. 

• Bring Your Own Reusables – The simplest way to avoid bag fees and waste? Carry your own reusable bags every time you shop. 

• Make it a Habit – Keep bags in your car, bike basket, or backpack, and encourage friends and family to do the same. 

• Reduce and Reuse – Recycle paper bags when you’re done with them and choose products with minimal single-use packaging whenever possible. 

• Join Local Cleanup Efforts – Participate in beach and creek cleanups to help remove plastics that slipped through despite policy shifts. 

California’s updated bag ban is more than a regulation; it is symbolic of our state’s commitment to healthier oceans, thriving wildlife, and cleaner communities. The waters of the Santa Barbara Channel define our way of life in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, and this law helps protect our beloved ocean for generations to come.