2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 30 - WASTE MANAGEMENT › PART 3 - STATE PROGRAMS › CHAPTER 5.3 - Single-Use Carryout Bags › ARTICLE 2 - Reusable Grocery Bags › Section 42281.

42281. (a) On and after July 1, 2015, a store, as defined in paragraph (1) or (2) of subdivision (g) of Section 42280, may sell or distribute a reusable grocery bag to a customer at the point of sale only if the reusable bag is made by a producer certified pursuant to this article to meet all of the following requirements:
(1) Has a handle and is designed for at least 125 uses, as provided in this article.
(2) Has a volume capacity of at least 15 liters.
(3) Is machine washable or made from a material that can be cleaned and disinfected.
(4) Has printed on the bag, or on a tag attached to the bag that is not intended to be removed, and in a manner visible to the consumer, all of the following information:
(A) The name of the manufacturer.
(B) The country where the bag was manufactured.
(C) A statement that the bag is a reusable bag and designed for at least 125 uses.
(D) If the bag is eligible for recycling in the state, instructions to return the bag to the store for recycling or to another appropriate recycling location. If recyclable in the state, the bag shall include the chasing arrows recycling symbol or the term “recyclable,” consistent with the Federal Trade Commission guidelines use of that term, as updated.
(5) Does not contain lead, cadmium, or any other toxic material that may pose a threat to public health. A reusable bag manufacturer may demonstrate compliance with this requirement by obtaining a no objection letter from the federal Food and Drug Administration. This requirement shall not affect any authority of the Department of Toxic Substances Control pursuant to Article 14 (commencing with Section 25251) of Chapter 6.5 of Division 20 of the Health and Safety Code and, notwithstanding subdivision (c) of Section 25257.1 of the Health and Safety Code, the reusable grocery bag shall not be considered as a product category already regulated or subject to regulation.
(6) Complies with Section 260.12 of Part 260 of Title 16 of the Code of Federal Regulations related to recyclable claims if the reusable grocery bag producer makes a claim that the reusable grocery bag is recyclable.
(b) (1) In addition to the requirements in subdivision (a), a reusable grocery bag made from plastic film shall meet all of the following requirements:
(A) On and after January 1, 2016, it shall be made from a minimum of 20 percent postconsumer recycled material.
(B) On and after January 1, 2020, it shall be made from a minimum of 40 percent postconsumer recycled material.
(C) It shall be recyclable in this state, and accepted for return at stores subject to the at-store recycling program (Chapter 5.1 (commencing with Section 42250)) for recycling.
(D) It shall have, in addition to the information required to be printed on the bag or on a tag, pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (a), a statement that the bag is made partly or wholly from postconsumer recycled material and stating the postconsumer recycled material content percentage, as applicable.
(E) It shall be capable of carrying 22 pounds over a distance of 175 feet for a minimum of 125 uses and be at least 2.25 mils thick, measured according to the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard D6988-13.
(2) A reusable grocery bag made from plastic film that meets the specifications of the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) International Standard Specification for Compostable Plastics D6400, as updated, is not required to meet the requirements of subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1), but shall be labeled in accordance with the applicable state law regarding compostable plastics.
(c) In addition to the requirements of subdivision (a), a reusable grocery bag that is not made of plastic film and that is made from any other natural or synthetic fabric, including, but not limited to, woven or nonwoven nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene-terephthalate, or Tyvek, shall satisfy all of the following:
(1) It shall be sewn.
(2) It shall be capable of carrying 22 pounds over a distance of 175 feet for a minimum of 125 uses.
(3) It shall have a minimum fabric weight of at least 80 grams per square meter.
(d) On and after July 1, 2016, a store as defined in paragraph (3), (4), or (5) of subdivision (g) of Section 42280, shall comply with the requirements of this section.
(Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 850, Sec. 1. (SB 270) Effective date postponed (until November 9, 2016) by referendum petition. Approved in referendum Proposition 67 at the November 8, 2016, election.)