California SB 1053: Compostable Bags Are the Compliant Option
SB 1053 phases out conventional plastic checkout bags in California — and explicitly permits certified compostable film bags. Here is what buyers need to know.
What SB 1053 does
California SB 1053 tightens the state's single-use bag law: conventional plastic film checkout bags are phased out, while certified compostable film bags remain a permitted option for stores to provide.
The compliance path is certification, not substitution: bags must hold ASTM D6400 (BPI) certification to qualify, and the certification must be verifiable by enforcement authorities and retail buyers alike.
Certification requirements
The operative requirement is ASTM D6400 certification with the BPI mark — the same standard US municipal organics programs recognise. Keep the certificate file current and on hand: enforcement and retail audits both check it.
California-compliant shopping bag formats
Our shopping-bags line includes BPI-certified t-shirt formats specified for California retail. Per-SKU certification details are on each product page — verify the BPI mark column before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
Are compostable bags really allowed under SB 1053?
Yes — SB 1053 explicitly permits certified compostable film bags as the checkout option stores may provide, alongside recycled paper bags. Certification (ASTM D6400 / BPI) is what makes the difference between a compliant bag and a banned plastic bag.
Does SB 1053 require home or industrial compostability?
The certification requirement is ASTM D6400, which certifies industrial compostability. The regulation does not distinguish between home and industrial routes — complete documentation is what matters at audit time.
How does SB 1053 differ from SB 54?
SB 54 is the broader extended-producer-responsibility packaging law; SB 1053 is the checkout-bag law. For bag buyers, SB 1053 is the regulation that determines what you can put at the register.
Download the catalogue and filter for BPI-certified shopping bag formats.