A coalition of three leading California recyclers and manufacturers—EFS Plastics, Merlin Plastics, and PreZero US—has called for an immediate economic impact study to evaluate the potential effects of the proposed “Bag Tax” legislation. This call comes in response to AB 2236 (Bauer-Kahan) and SB 1053 (Blakespear), which, as currently amended, would mandate the use of paper bags, thereby increasing costs for grocers and ultimately affecting every Californian.
The proposed bills will require shoppers to use paper bags, resulting in higher costs for grocers that will be passed down to consumers. Small- and mid-size grocers, who serve a larger percentage of WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Assistance shoppers, will face significant financial strain as they are compelled to provide these costly paper bags for free.
While the bills are presented as environmentally friendly, the coalition argues that they are counterproductive. Paper bags, they claim, require more water and energy for production and recycling compared to the reusable, recyclable plastic film bags they aim to ban.
Roxanne Spiekerman, spokesperson for the Responsible Recycling Alliance (RRA) and Vice President of Public Affairs for PreZero US, stated, “Rushing through legislation without understanding its long-term economic impact is not advisable, especially when Californians are already facing rising grocery costs. For many small businesses, this ‘bag tax’ could mean the difference between staying open and closing for good, which would further harm the communities they serve.”
The RRA advocates for amending AB 2236 and SB 1053 to incorporate reusable, recyclable plastic film bags into the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Program established by SB 54 in 2022. This approach would ensure the development of a sustainable recycling infrastructure for plastic film products, reducing landfill waste and minimizing unnecessary costs for businesses and consumers.
