On September 30, 2014 – the state of California made history by being the first state in the US to pass a state wide ban on single-use bags. Under SB 270, plastic bags will be phased out of checkout counters at large grocery stores and supermarkets starting in the summer of 2015, and convenience stores and pharmacies in 2016.
However, the fate of the law is still undecided. The plastic industry is seeking a voter referendum to appeal the law. This requires the plastic industry to gather a little under a half a million signatures within 90 days from the signing of the bill to law. If the plastic industry succeeds in gathering enough qualified signatures, they will delay the July 2015 implementation of SB 270 until it can be decided by the voters during the November 2016 elections.
Three other states have been looking at legislation to ban plastic bags statewide. The States are Massachusetts, New Jersey and Rhode Island. In the 188th legislative session, Massachusetts tried and failed to pass their statewide ban. All eyes are on California as these other states watch to see the outcome.
Make sure to keep checking our website for updates on single use bag legislation that is pending or being implemented. Our retail packaging specialists stay on top of the ever changing market conditions. Let us help you navigate bag legislation in the municipalities you sell into and select the best packaging for your stores. We hope that you will contact us by phone at 888-429-5673 or via email at baglaws@swalter.com
