California Leads the Country in Refill Stores

With over 100 refill and low-waste stores, California has more than any other state by a wide margin. That is not surprising given the state's population and its history with environmental legislation, but the density and variety of stores is worth noting. You can find refill stores in major metros, mid-size cities, beach towns, and even some rural communities.

Where the Stores Are

Los Angeles metro has the largest concentration, with stores spread across neighborhoods from Silver Lake to Santa Monica to Long Beach. The sheer size of the metro area means you will likely have a store within a 20-minute drive no matter where you are.

San Francisco Bay Area runs a close second. Berkeley, Oakland, and San Francisco proper all have multiple options. The East Bay in particular has a strong refill culture, with stores that have been operating for years.

San Diego has a growing scene focused on beach-adjacent neighborhoods. Several stores cater to the outdoor and active lifestyle crowd, carrying sports-specific products alongside household refills.

Sacramento has expanded rapidly, with six stores serving the metro area. These stores tend to be more food-focused than their coastal counterparts.

Smaller cities across California also have options. Places like Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, and Chico all have refill stores. Even some inland communities in the Central Valley have stores opening up.

What Makes California Different

California's refill stores benefit from the state's strict packaging and plastic regulations. SB 54, the state's packaging reduction law, has pushed more consumers toward refill options. Many California stores also carry a wider range of products than stores in other states, including bulk olive oil, local wine on tap, and specialty items that take advantage of the state's agricultural output.

Tips for Shopping Refill in California

  • California's bag ban means most people already carry reusable bags. Extend that habit to jars and containers for refill shopping
  • Many California stores participate in terracycle or similar recycling programs for items that cannot be refilled
  • Check for farmers market overlap. Many California refill stores set up booths at local farmers markets on weekends

Browse California Stores

Browse all California refill stores on Refill Map, organized by city. With 100+ stores across the state, there is likely one closer than you think.