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Free paper bags when paying with Calfresh 270 / Proposition 67)
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Free paper bags when paying with Calfresh 270 / Proposition 67)

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Category
Food
Auto tags
food
income eligible
reusable grocery bags
recycled paper bags
bag ban
certification
tax
reusable bags
compostable bags
CalRecycle
ISO/IEC 17025
ISO/IEC 17065
handle
volume capacity
machine washable
recycling instructions
plastic film
postconsumer recycled material
proof of certification
Reusable Grocery Bag Reporting System
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recycled paper bags
CalRecycle's role
enforcement
violations
penalties
Eligibility
CalFresh / EBT / WIC / SNAP recipients
Auto Summary
If you pay with CalFresh/EBT, WIC, or SNAP at a California store, your bag is free at checkout — no application, no extra ID, just swipe your card. Everyone else pays at least 10¢ per bag. This protection began under Prop 67/SB 270 (2016) and continues unchanged under SB 1053, the statewide plastic-bag ban that took effect Jan 1, 2026 (stores now give recycled paper bags or true reusable bags only). Applies at grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, and most retail checkouts. If a cashier charges you, say "I'm paying with EBT — the bag is free under SB 1053" and ask for a manager. Verified 2026-05-30.
Value
$
Espanol
Bolsas de papel gratuitas al pagar con Calfresh (270 / Propuesta 67)
URL
https://calrecycle.ca.gov/Plastics/CarryOutBags/
Last verified 2026-05-17.
If you pay with CalFresh (EBT), WIC, or SNAP at a California store, your bag is free. Stores must give you a recycled paper bag (or reusable bag) at no charge. Everyone else pays at least 10¢ per bag.
This protection started under Prop 67 / SB 270 in 2016 and continues under SB 1053, the new statewide plastic-bag ban that took effect January 1, 2026. [Source: calrecycle.ca.gov/Plastics/CarryOutBags/ (accessed 2026-05-17)]

Who qualifies

You get free bags if you are paying with any of these:
  • CalFresh / EBT card (SNAP food stamps)
  • WIC payment card or voucher
  • Other SNAP/food-assistance payment
You qualify on the spot — no application, no ID check beyond your EBT/WIC card. The cashier should not charge the bag fee when you swipe.

What you get

  • A recycled paper bag at no charge, OR a reusable bag if the store stocks them.
  • As many bags as you reasonably need for your groceries.
  • This applies at grocery stores, convenience stores, liquor stores, pharmacies, and most retail checkouts in California.
Other shoppers pay at least 10¢ per bag. That fee is set by the state — stores can charge more, but not less. Stores keep the money to cover bag costs. [Source: lawinc.com/california-plastic-bag-ban-sb1053 (accessed 2026-05-17)]

How to use it

  1. Shop normally.
  1. At checkout, pay with your EBT or WIC card.
  1. If the cashier tries to charge you for bags, say: "I'm paying with EBT — the bag is free under SB 1053."
  1. If they still charge you, ask for a manager. The law is clear and statewide.

What changed in 2026

  • Thin "reusable" plastic bags are now banned. Stores can no longer sell the heavier plastic bags they used to offer for 10¢.
  • Stores can only give out paper bags (40%+ recycled content, 2.25 mil thick) or true reusable bags (cloth, etc.).

Common pitfalls

  • Self-checkout: the machine may auto-charge the bag fee. Flag down an attendant before paying — they can remove it.
  • Split payment: if you pay part EBT, part cash, the EBT portion still triggers the free-bag rule. Insist on it.
  • Small stores: even corner stores and pharmacies must follow the law. It is not just big chains.
  • Bring your own bag if you can — saves the store and the planet, and you skip the hassle entirely.

If a store refuses

You can report a violation. Penalties are $1,000/day for a first offense, $2,000 for a second, $5,000 after that. [Source: calrecycle.ca.gov/Plastics/CarryOutBags/ (accessed 2026-05-17)]
  • Local District Attorney, City Attorney, or City Prosecutor in the city/county where the violation happened.

Where to get help

  • CalFresh general help: call 1-877-847-3663 (CalFresh hotline) or visit GetCalFresh.org
  • Local food bank (Nevada County): Food Bank of Nevada County, (530) 272-3796

Sources

  • California SB 1053 (2024), effective January 1, 2026
  • California Proposition 67 (2016) / SB 270 — original free-bag protection for EBT/WIC