Check out the progress we’ve made in many different states around America!

California

California was the first state to enact a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags in 2014. In 2024, it went even further by passing a law banning all plastic shopping bags at grocery stores starting January 1, 2026, making it the most aggressive state in combating plastic bag pollution.

Colorado

Colorado introduced a $0.10 fee on plastic and paper bags statewide in 2023. By 2024, the state implemented a full ban on single-use plastic bags, with some exceptions for small retailers and specific use cases.

Connecticut

Connecticut began with a $0.10 fee on plastic bags in 2019 to reduce waste and gradually transitioned to a full statewide ban by July 2021. The legislation was paired with public outreach to encourage reusable alternatives.

Delaware

Delaware enacted a statewide ban on plastic bags at large retailers in 2019. The law was strengthened in 2021 by removing loopholes and expanding the ban to more retail establishments.

Hawaii

Though Hawaii has no official statewide ban, all four of its counties have passed local ordinances prohibiting plastic bags, making it a de facto statewide ban. The islands also regulate biodegradable plastic bags, ensuring even compostable alternatives meet strict standards.

Maine

Maine’s statewide ban on single-use plastic bags went into effect in July 2021. The law also mandates that retailers charge a fee of at least $0.05 for alternative bags to discourage overuse of paper products.

New Jersey

New Jersey implemented one of the most comprehensive statewide bans in the country in 2022. The law prohibits single-use plastic bags and also bans paper bags at large grocery stores, pushing consumers toward reusable options.

New York

New York banned single-use plastic bags at most retail outlets starting March 2020. The state also allows counties to impose a $0.05 fee on paper bags, many of which have chosen to do so to fund environmental programs.

Oregon

Oregon passed a statewide ban in 2020 that prohibits single-use plastic bags and requires retailers to charge at least $0.05 for paper or reusable bags. The policy aims to reduce plastic waste while encouraging more sustainable consumer habits.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island passed a statewide plastic bag ban in 2023, effective 2024, after years of municipalities enacting their own ordinances. The new law standardizes regulations across the state and encourages reusable bag use through education and retailer incentives.

Vermont

Vermont implemented a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags in July 2020. It also banned plastic stirrers, straws (with exceptions), and foam food containers, making it a leader in tackling broader single-use plastic pollution.

Washington

Washington State began enforcing a ban on single-use plastic carryout bags in October 2021. Retailers must charge at least $0.08 for compliant paper or reusable plastic bags, which must meet specific durability standards.

Pennsylvania

Although Pennsylvania has no statewide plastic bag policy, major cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have enacted bans on single-use plastic bags. Other towns, such as Phoenixville and Cheltenham Township, have followed suit with local bans or fees, making Pennsylvania a patchwork of local action.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts has not passed a statewide ban, but more than 150 cities and towns have enacted local ordinances restricting plastic bags. These efforts are especially concentrated in Greater Boston, where reusable bag use has become the norm.

Texas

Texas lacks a statewide ban and enforces a preemption law that blocks cities from regulating plastic bags. However, cities like Austin and Laredo previously passed local bans, which were later struck down by the Texas Supreme Court.

Florida

Florida prohibits local governments from enacting bans on plastic bags due to a preemption law. Nonetheless, cities such as Coral Gables attempted local bans, although these were overturned by courts.

Illinois

While there is no statewide ban, Chicago imposes a $0.07 tax on each plastic and paper bag at retail stores. The city encourages reusable bags through education and outreach campaigns.

Virginia

Virginia passed a law in 2020 allowing localities to impose a $0.05 tax on plastic bags. Cities and counties like Arlington, Roanoke, and Alexandria have since adopted the tax to reduce plastic waste and fund environmental initiatives.

Maryland

While Maryland has no statewide ban, multiple jurisdictions including Montgomery County and Baltimore City have implemented bans or bag fees. Legislation to create a unified statewide policy has been introduced but not yet passed.

Minnesota

There is no statewide ban in Minnesota, but Minneapolis passed a local ordinance requiring retailers to charge a $0.05 fee for plastic and paper bags. Other municipalities have considered similar legislation.

North Carolina

North Carolina previously had a regional plastic bag ban in the Outer Banks, but the law was repealed by the state legislature in 2017. Some coastal communities continue to advocate for local environmental protections.

Arizona

Arizona has a statewide preemption law that blocks cities and counties from banning or taxing plastic bags. Despite this, some local leaders and environmental groups continue to push for statewide reform.

Missouri

Missouri prohibits local plastic bag bans through state preemption. The law was passed in 2015 and prevents cities and counties from enacting their own regulations.

Indiana

Indiana passed a law in 2016 that preempts local governments from regulating plastic bags and other packaging materials. The legislation ensures uniformity across the state but limits municipal environmental initiatives.

Iowa

Iowa enacted preemption legislation in 2017, prohibiting cities and counties from adopting plastic bag bans. The move was part of a broader push to limit local control over environmental regulation.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin passed a law in 2016 that prevents municipalities from enacting plastic bag bans or fees. The state instead promotes voluntary recycling and waste reduction programs.

Tennessee

Tennessee preempts local plastic bag bans and packaging restrictions under its 2019 "Uniform Plastic Regulation Law." However, the state promotes recycling efforts through grant programs and partnerships.

Kentucky

Kentucky has no laws banning plastic bags but has engaged in public education and litter reduction campaigns. The state supports community recycling programs and landfill diversion efforts.

Ohio

Ohio passed a law in 2021 prohibiting local governments from taxing or banning plastic bags. While some cities attempted to enact restrictions before the law, most efforts have been blocked by the preemption.

Michigan

Michigan has a 2017 law that bans local governments from regulating plastic bags and containers. The state encourages recycling and waste education instead of product-specific restrictions.