Background information

The City of Carlsbad is working to ensure compliance with the following state and local laws. 

1. California’s Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction law (SB 1383, Lara, Chapter 395, Statutes of 2016): This regulation states that all entities within the City of Carlsbad must subscribe to and participate in organic waste recycling services. It also encompasses a food recovery requirement where commercial edible food generators (Tier 1 & 2) must donate the maximum amount of their edible food that would otherwise be disposed of. 
   
   
2. Carlsbad Municipal Code (CMC) Chapter 6.24, Plastic Bag Ban: A city ban on single-use plastic food ware and polystyrene (Styrofoam) took effect on July 1, 2023. This ban goes above and beyond state law and is part of Carlsbad’s commitment to sustainability. It includes a ban on single-use utensils and to-go containers such as cups, straws, condiment packets and other foodware made with plastic and expanded polystyrene. 
   
   
3. Senate Bill 270, Solid waste: single-use carryout bags and CMC Chapter 6.24, Plastic Bag Ban: A state and city ban on plastic bags. This ban prohibits retail stores and restaurants from using single-use plastic bags. Enforcement will be phased in beginning July 1, 2023, for retail establishments and July 1, 2024, for food-service providers. 

How you can help

Each Carlsbad community member has a part in being a steward of the environment and maintaining Carlsbad’s commitment to sustainability. Please use this form to submit an alleged violation of the State of California’s Senate Bill (SB) 1383 and/or Carlsbad’s local ordinances encompassing a ban on single-use plastic foodware and plastic bags. Once submitted, Sustainable Materials Management staff will review and commence an investigation within 90 days. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Sustainable Materials Management Division by phone at 442-339-2646 or email at sustainablematerialsmanagement@carlsbadca.gov.