From Legislation to Checkout Station: Unpacking the Impact of Plastic Policy on Trade and Sustainability

This study investigates the impact of state-level single-use plastic bag policies on the trade of plastic waste, specifically examining import and export patterns from January 2002 to August 2024. By analyzing trade flows before and after the implementation of these policies, the research identifies shifts in international plastic waste movement. Findings indicate that regulatory measures—such as bans and fees—correlate with a reduction in both plastic waste exports and imports, with exported plastic waste decreasing per policy change and imported plastic waste declining. These results underscore the broader economic and environmental consequences of plastic bag regulations, revealing their influence not only on local consumption but also on global trade systems.