Plastic Bag Policies Cut U.S. Shoreline Litter Up to 47%

Recent large-scale studies analyzing data from over 45,000 U.S. shoreline cleanups between 2017 and 2023 and hundreds of local and state-level policies show that plastic bag regulations, including bans and consumer fees, have reduced plastic bag litter on shorelines by 25% to 47% compared to areas without such policies. Consumer fees appear more effective than outright bans, and both outperform partial bans that include loopholes. Despite these improvements, plastic bag litter persists and, in some areas, continues to increase in absolute terms, though at a slower rate. The greatest impact is observed in regions with the most severe existing litter problems. Policy inconsistencies and exemptions limit overall effectiveness. The findings highlight the need for more comprehensive and uniformly enforced regulations and may inform policy development in other countries addressing plastic pollution.