As we kick off 2026, Surfrider is excited to celebrate a wave of new plastic pollution prevention laws taking effect across the United States — several laws that our grassroots activists worked tirelessly to help pass. These policies reduce plastic pollution and toxic chemicals while promoting more sustainable choices, from grocery store checkouts to hotel bathrooms.
Thanks to years of advocacy, education, and grassroots action, meaningful change is happening at the state level. Here’s a look at what’s new in 2026.
Instead, stores may offer recycled paper bags for a minimum fee of 10 cents, and shoppers are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags.
Surfrider played a pivotal role in passing the nation’s first statewide plastic bag ban over ten years ago. While that law significantly reduced plastic bag use, thicker plastic bags have remained a persistent problem. These bags are not recyclable, harm wildlife and ecosystems, clog storm drains and sewage systems, contaminate drinking water, and break down into toxic microplastics that accumulate in our oceans and landfills.
That’s not all. Later in 2026, California’s “truth in labeling” law goes into effect, tightening rules around recyclability claims. Misleading symbols — such as chasing arrows — will no longer be allowed unless packaging meets strict criteria, helping to reduce greenwashing and consumer confusion.
Illinois is taking meaningful steps to reduce plastic waste and harmful chemicals. As of January 2026, all hotels, regardless of size, are prohibited from distributing small, single-use toiletry bottles. This expands a law signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker in 2024, which initially applied only to hotels with 50 or more rooms.
In addition, effective January 1, Illinois has banned the sale or distribution of food packaging containing intentionally added PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). The ban applies not only to food packaging itself, but also to components such as coatings, closures, inks, labels, and exterior packaging materials.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, an Ocean Friendly Hotel, uses large form bottles. Image provided by 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay.
New York continues to phase out polystyrene foam, a material notorious for pollution and nearly impossible to clean up once out in the environment. The state has long prohibited foam food containers and packing peanuts — and starting in 2026, that ban extends to coolers and containers used for cold storage.
In addition, New York will expand restrictions on small plastic personal care bottles in hotels and lodging establishments, encouraging a transition to reusable or more sustainable packaging.
Virginia is phasing in a statewide ban on polystyrene food containers. While larger vendors have already complied, the full ban for all food vendors takes effect July 1, 2026 — further reducing single-use foam in takeout and food service across the state.
Washington was an early mover on plastic bag bans, but as of January 1, 2026, the state has updated its retail bag policies. Washington continues to encourage shoppers to bring their own reusable bags, noting that compostable bags are still not widely accepted at commercial composting facilities:
Passing strong laws is only the first step. Effective implementation and enforcement are critical to ensuring real environmental benefits. The Surfrider network will continue tracking these policies closely, using beach cleanup data to inform future advocacy and supporting businesses through our Ocean Friendly Restaurants and Ocean Friendly Hotels programs.
Together, we’re turning the tide on plastic pollution — one law, one community, and one action at a time.