As of 2026, more than 12 US states have enacted outright bans or fees on single-use plastic bags — and dozens of cities have gone further. If you're running a grocery store, farmers market, or retail shop anywhere in the US, this legislation directly affects your checkout.
Which States Have Plastic Bag Bans?
The following states have enacted statewide bans or significant fees on single-use plastic checkout bags:
- California — First state to ban (2014), extended statewide 2022
- New York — Statewide ban effective 2020
- Connecticut — 10¢ fee per bag since 2021
- Delaware — Statewide ban effective 2021
- Hawaii — County-level bans covering the entire state
- Illinois — Statewide ban effective 2024
- Maine — Statewide ban effective 2021
- New Jersey — Among the strictest bans in the US (2022)
- Oregon — Statewide ban effective 2020
- Vermont — Statewide ban effective 2020
- Washington — Statewide ban effective 2021
- Colorado — Fee structure in effect, full ban planned
What Counts as a Compliant Alternative?
Most legislation bans "single-use plastic checkout bags" and permits alternatives that are either:
- Reusable (minimum thickness, handle requirements)
- Paper bags (often still allowed with a fee)
- Certified compostable or biodegradable bags
PVA water-soluble bags are compliant in all 50 states. Because they are not polyethylene or polypropylene, they fall outside the scope of "plastic bag" as defined in most legislation.
What Should Retailers Do Now?
Even if your state hasn't banned plastic bags yet, the trajectory is clear. Getting ahead of the ban — and turning it into a marketing moment — is far better than scrambling to comply. Retailers who switched proactively report that customers notice the dissolving bags. It becomes a conversation starter, a brand differentiator, and a loyalty driver.
Request a free sample kit to test them at your checkout before committing to wholesale quantities.