California plastic bag ban led to more plastic waste, consumer advocacy group claims

California's plastic bag ban has backfired and led to much more plastic waste, according to a new report from a consumer advocacy group.

Ten years ago, the Golden State passed SB 270, a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags at grocery, drug and convenience stores, in efforts to reduce the amount of plastic waste and encourage the public to use reusable bags. However, material recovery facilities and environmental activists have documented a dramatic increase in plastic bag waste since the ban was passed, The Los Angeles Times reported on Monday.

According to a new...