Technical requirements for bags that may be distributed under the Alameda County Reusable Bag Ordinance and California SB 1053.

Recycled-Content Paper Bags

Paper bags are permitted at all store types (grocery, liquor, pharmacies, convenience stores, eating establishments, and locally-regulated retail).

Requirements

Paper bags must:

  • Be accepted for recycling in curbside programs in a majority of households
  • Display the manufacturer name
  • Display the country of origin
  • Display the postconsumer recycled content percentage

2028 Requirement

Effective January 1, 2028: Paper bags must contain a minimum of 50% postconsumer recycled materials.

Reusable Bags

Reusable bags (including thick plastic bags) may only be distributed by:

  • Eating establishments
  • Locally-regulated retail stores (non-food, non-alcohol)

Note: State-regulated stores (grocery, liquor, pharmacy, convenience) may NOT distribute reusable bags under SB 1053—paper bags only.

Durability Requirements

Reusable bags must be:

  • Capable of carrying a minimum of 22 pounds
  • Able to withstand 125 uses over a distance of at least 175 feet
  • Minimum 15-liter volume capacity
  • Machine washable or made of material that can be cleaned and disinfected

Plastic Reusable Bags

If the reusable bag is made of plastic, it must be:

  • At least 2.25 mils thick

Labeling Requirements

All reusable bags must display:

  1. Manufacturer name
  2. Country of manufacture
  3. A statement that the bag contains no lead or cadmium in toxic amounts
  4. The percentage of postconsumer recycled material used, if any

Exempt Bags

The following bags are NOT subject to the ordinance requirements and may be provided free of charge:

  • Produce bags — for fruits and vegetables
  • Bulk food bags — for loose items like nuts, grains, candy
  • Meat and deli bags — for wrapping items at the counter
  • Prescription bags — for pharmacy prescriptions
  • Protective bags without handles — for items that could spill, leak, or contaminate other purchases
  • Dust bags, garment bags, and poster sleeves

Sourcing Compliant Bags

When purchasing bags from suppliers, request certification that bags meet ordinance specifications. Key points to verify:

For Paper Bags:

  • Recyclable in curbside programs
  • Proper labeling (manufacturer, country, recycled content %)
  • Meets 50% postconsumer content (after January 1, 2028)

For Reusable Bags:

  • Durability testing (22 lbs, 125 uses)
  • Proper thickness (2.25 mils for plastic)
  • Required labeling (manufacturer, country, lead/cadmium statement, recycled content %)

Non-Compliant Bag Options

If you have non-compliant bags in inventory:

  • Return to your distributor
  • Sell to retailers not covered by the ordinance
  • Donate to nonprofit organizations (Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc.)

Do NOT distribute non-compliant bags to customers.

Questions?

For questions about bag specifications or to verify compliance:

Email: bags@stopwaste.org | Phone: (510) 891-6575