At Goodwill of Silicon Valley, sustainability has always been at the heart of our mission. Every day, we work to extend the life of usable goods, reduce waste, and empower individuals to thrive. Beginning January 2026, we’re taking another step forward in our commitment to a cleaner, greener community: we will no longer offer plastic bags at checkout.
This shift aligns with California’s updated plastic bag ordinance, SB 1053 (2024), which strengthens the state’s efforts to reduce plastic waste. Beginning January 1, 2026, all plastic bags, including the thicker “reusable” ones, will be banned at checkout at grocery, pharmacy, liquor, and convenience stores, with a transition to 10-cent recycled paper bags or verified reusable bags. The law also closes long-standing loopholes from the original 2016 ban and raises recycled-content standards for paper bags by 2028.
Why does this matter?
Plastic pollution is a growing challenge with real local impacts. An estimated 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the global ocean each year, and California communities spend more than $428 million annually on plastic cleanup and pollution control. Plastic doesn’t fully break down; it fragments into tiny micro- and nanoplastics that can persist in our environment, waterways, and food systems. Reducing single-use plastic at checkout is a simple, effective way to help address this issue, and supports our continued efforts to reduce single-use waste in our stores and across Silicon Valley. It may feel like a small shift, but small choices repeated by many, create lasting change. By choosing reusable bags, shoppers help conserve resources, reduce pollution, keep plastic out of landfills, and supports the circular, reuse-driven ecosystem that defines Goodwill.
Making the Switch Simple
To make the switch easy, we encourage you to bring your favorite reusable bag each time you shop. And if you forget one, no worries, we offer planet-friendly options at checkout:
- Goodwill canvas tote bag: $2.50
- Biodegradable bag: $0.25
Both options are durable and practical for every day use, from thrifting hauls to weekly errands.
This initiative reinforces the values that shape our community. Together, our shoppers, donors, and team members are helping build a more sustainable Silicon Valley, one conscious choice at a time.
Thank you for continuing to support the culture of reuse that makes Goodwill possible.