Oregon is going all in on banning plastic bags, again.
If you’re living in the Beaver State and still hoarding those “reusable” thick plastic bags from grocery hauls, your stash just became a hot commodity. Lawmakers have officially expanded the 2020 plastic bag law, now targeting even those thicker plastic versions that were supposed to be the eco-friendly solution. Under the updated law signed by Governor Tina Kotek last month, those thicker bags will start disappearing from stores and restaurants across the state, with a full phase-out by January 2027. So yeah, start planning your box-stacking strategy or keep your old bags safe, because Oregon’s grocery trips are about to look very different.
The measure affects a wide range of businesses, grocery stores, restaurants, retail outlets. But there are a few carve-outs that’ll save some plastic from going extinct. For example, stores like Walmart can still use plastic for raw meat packaging, and plastic will still be allowed for bulky items. Basically, if it’s messy or massive, plastic still gets a pass. But in most cases, retailers will have to rely on recycled paper bags, which means more people may end up juggling soggy sacks during Oregon’s rainy season.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s banned, what’s staying, and when:
| Plastic Bag Use | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single-use plastic checkout bags | ❌ No | Already banned since 2020 |
| Thick “reusable” plastic bags | ❌ No | Banned by 2027 under new law |
| Plastic bags for raw meat/fish | ✅ Yes | Allowed due to hygiene reasons |
| Plastic for bulk/heavy items | ✅ Yes | Exempt from ban |
| Paper bags | ✅ Yes | Must be made of recycled material; fees may apply |
| Personal reusable cloth/tote bags | ✅ Yes | Encouraged as the main alternative |
The law is being touted as a win for environmental sustainability. It’s part of Oregon’s larger plan to reduce waste and move away from plastic dependence. Supporters of the bill say it’s about time the state cracked down harder on plastic. Critics? Well, they’re not holding back either. Social media lit up after the news dropped, with some residents sarcastically clapping at the state’s priorities. One Reddit user summed up the mood: “That’ll solve the crime and homelessness that my family has to navigate on a daily basis while living in Oregon.” Another added, “So glad we are prioritizing the important things!!”
And let’s not forget the money talk. Some shoppers worry that this ban means they’ll have to start buying trash bags, since many folks repurpose grocery plastic bags for their home garbage. Others slammed the bill as “stupid” and a “waste of money,” saying they doubt it’ll ever be fully enforced. Critics claim the bill has “no teeth” and is just another example of politicians pretending to care while ignoring bigger problems.
Interestingly, this new law builds off an earlier 2020 rule that banned single-use plastic bags statewide. That initial law led to the rise of thicker “reusable” plastic bags at checkout counters, which were meant to be more eco-friendly but often just ended up being used once and tossed. Lawmakers realized that loophole, and now they’re closing it.
Plastic bag bans are nothing new in the U.S., but Oregon’s move adds more pressure on other states still lagging behind. As of now, 12 other states, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and of course Oregon, have enacted similar plastic bag bans. Pennsylvania could be next, with lawmakers actively considering a statewide ban. Philadelphia has already had one in place since 2021, with city officials claiming it reduces litter, cuts city spending, and even boosts safety.
But while banning bags might clean up streets and parks, it won’t fix everything. Some critics argue that plastic bag bans make lawmakers look productive without really doing much to address larger environmental or social problems. Still, the bans do make a dent in plastic waste overall, especially when combined with public awareness campaigns and alternative options like cloth totes and sturdy reusable bags.
So what’s the plan if you’re in Oregon? For now, paper bags are your new best friend, just be ready to pay for them, unless you bring your own. And if you’ve got a secret stash of thick plastic bags hiding in a drawer, don’t toss them yet. They might just be your ticket to avoiding soggy-bottom paper bag disasters until 2027. Either way, Oregon’s plastic-free future is officially underway, even if not everyone’s clapping for it.
