Will Georgia ban plastic bags in stores? A new law may change the way consumers shop
You might want to stock up on reusable totes because plastic bags could be a thing of the past. Georgia lawmakers are currently debating a statewide ban that could take effect as soon as next year.
If State Senate Bill 49 passes, Georgia would become the ninth state to target plastic bags commonly used in grocery stores and retail outlets.
State Senator Donzella James (D-Atlanta) first proposed the bill in 2020, but it has since been passed on to the Natural Resources and Environmental Committee and has yet to be voted on and passed.
Why ban plastic bags?
Plastic bags pose significant environmental hazards to both animals and their ecosystems. According to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, plastic bags kill an estimated 100,000 marine animals annually and the average American uses 365 plastic bags per year.
Georgia, with its population of 11 million, likely contributes billions of plastic bags annually.
What are the benefits of banning plastic bags?
Plastic waste, including bags, constitutes a significant portion of litter found in Georgia’s waterways, like the Chattahoochee River.
Banning them could have far-reaching effects:
Could potentially eliminate approximately 300 single-use plastic bags per person
Would reduce waste by at least 33%
Could preserve over 700 species of marine animals from 8 million tons of plastic in the ocean; plastic bags being the most deadly
Might encourage more sustainable options
Some areas of Georgia are proactively banning plastic bags
While there is no official statewide ban yet, some local governments in Georgia have taken action.
For instance:
South Fulton banned plastic bags, cups, straws and polystyrene food containers in 2021.
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport prohibits non-compostable single-use plastics.
Columbus is doing its part as well. The city advises residents to take their plastic bags to local grocery stores, and has launched the “Columbus GA Recycles” app to help residents identify recyclable items.
The ban could extend to other single-use plastics.
Despite President Trump’s Executive Order concerning paper straws, some environmental groups are pushing for restrictions on other single-use items.
These could mean straws, plastic utensils and Styrofoam containers. Although these items are typically thrown away after one use, chemically they last forever and recycling cannot keep up with the increase in plastic production, which is predicted to quadruple by 2050.
Science of Georgia asserts that since single-use plastics are made of fossil fuels and synthetic chemicals, they are significantly contributing to climate change.
Climate change is significantly impacting Georgia, causing a sea level rise that is twice the global average and reducing crop yields in the agricultural sector.
There is not an official statewide ban yet, but environmental groups urge consumers to shop responsibly: bring your own bags, opt out of plastic cutlery and avoid Styrofoam in all forms.
There are some exceptions to the ban, including bags for bulk foods, prescription drugs, and carryout orders from restaurants.
Do you oppose or support a ban on plastic bags? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on Instagram.
This story was originally published March 11, 2025 at 12:30 PM.
