How to dispose of Plastic Bags & Film in California

California rules

Plastic bag ban in effect — stores charge for paper bags. Bags still recyclable at store drop-offs.

General steps

1. Never put plastic bags in your curbside recycling bin — they jam sorting machinery.
2. Collect clean, dry plastic bags and film (grocery bags, bread bags, dry cleaning bags).
3. Return to store drop-off bins at grocery and big box stores (Walmart, Target, Kroger).
4. Remove receipts, food residue, and labels before recycling.
5. Consider switching to reusable bags to reduce plastic waste.