Los Angeles Times Calls for Reassessment of Plastic Bag Ban Amid Increased Waste

In a recent editorial, the Los Angeles Times has urged for a reevaluation of California's plastic bag ban, which was initially implemented in 2016 to reduce plastic waste. A study highlighted by the Times revealed that the thicker reusable bags introduced as alternatives have not been effectively reused or recycled, leading to an increase in plastic waste rather than a decrease. The editorial points out that a loophole allowed retailers to sell these thicker bags for a small fee, resulting in many consumers discarding them after a single use. The editorial board emphasized that the situation is not the result of exploitation or malfeasance, but rather a failure in the intended execution of the ban. Data from CalRecycle indicates that plastic bags accounted for approximately 231,072 tons of trash in 2022, marking a nearly 50% increase since the ban's inception. The board argues for a "do-over" to fulfill the original promise of the legislation, which was supported by voters in 2016. The Times attributes part of the problem to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a temporary suspension of the ban due to health concerns. To address the ongoing issue, the editorial supports two bills currently in the legislature that would prohibit plastic bags at grocery store checkouts starting in 2026, allowing only paper bags made from at least 50% recycled materials and reusable bags brought by consumers. In conclusion, the editorial advocates for a broader initiative to eliminate disposable plastic packaging across the state and beyond, referencing California's Senate Bill 54, which aims to phase out most plastic products by 2032. The Times asserts that action on plastic bags should be prioritized to effectively tackle the growing waste crisis.