CA AB298

Prohibits stores with $2 million+ annual sales or 10,000+ sq ft of retail space from providing single-use carryout bags beginning January 1, 2014; stores must instead provide reusable grocery bags, recycled paper bags, or compostable bags

Requires stores to establish plastic bag collection bins by January 1, 2013 for customers to return single-use and reusable plastic bags for recycling

Expands prohibitions to convenience food stores and foodmarts on July 1, 2015, with same requirements except plastic bag collection bins

Mandates reusable grocery bag producers submit biennial certifications to Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery starting January 1, 2015, certifying bags meet durability (125 uses), labeling, and safety standards; establishes certification fees and penalty accounts

Provides civil penalty enforcement at $500 for first violation, $1,000 for second, and $2,000 for third and subsequent violations; requires department to submit implementation report to Legislature by January 1, 2016