An investigation into the plastic recycling streams in the US revealed how the governing bodies are selling a lie.

Plastic bags generally accounted for a larger share of items being cleaned up throughout the study period, but the increase was “markedly less” in areas with plastic bag policies.

Plastic bag policies led to a 25% to 47% reduction in the amount of disposable, thin plastic bag litter on America's shorelines, the study found.

In Punjab, plastic bags below a certain thickness have been banned as of 2025. Meanwhile, in the U.S., states like California have a ban on all plastic bags and encourage reusable shopping bags.

Plastic bag in a river. (Getty Images) Using a window of 2017 to 2023, they were able to note the measurable difference of plastic bag waste before and after the passage of laws, similar to ...

A study published in Science Journal found that plastic bag policies, such as bans and fees, have been effective in reducing plastic bag litter by 25-47% and potentially protecting wildlife from ...