Oregon Lawmakers Reconsider Senate Bill to Ban Plastic Bags and Limit Single-Use Plastics Statewide

In a broader effort to curb plastic waste across the state, the Oregon House Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment is reconsidering Senate Bill 551 that bans the distribution of plastic bags in grocery stores.

If passed, the bill only sanctions paper bags and will become effective at the beginning of 2027.

Consumers will pay 5 cents for a paper bag, unless they use an EBT card (Oregon Trail card).

Grocery stores, restaurants, and other retailers were prohibited from using most plastic bags by a bill in 2019. However, thick, single-use plastic bags are still available in stores.

Single-Use Plastic Containers Are Also Banned

Senate Bill 551 also limits the availability of plastic utensils and single-serve condiments in restaurants and convenience stores, stipulating that they can only be provided by request.

This law becomes effective at the start of July 2026. Exempt from the rule are drive-through restaurants.

Targeting the environmental impact of single-use plastic containers, the legislation will restrict the distribution of personal care items, such as shampoos and lotions, in hotels unless requested by a guest. This law will become effective at the start of 2027.

If Senate Bill 551 is passed by Oregon lawmakers, the state’s Health Authority will monitor the policies.