Single-Use Plastics Ban

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Sustainability timeline

The City of Carlsbad is leading the way toward a more sustainable future by reducing the amount of unused and unwanted disposable products with high environmental impact. The city is phasing out single-use plastic and Styrofoam disposable foodware items to:

Protect wildlife and the environment by reducing harmful litter and marine debris
Divert waste from landfills and reduce contamination of the city’s recyclable materials and organic materials collection programs
Conserve natural resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Improve the cleanliness of public areas and beaches to increase quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors
Align with California state regulations and the goals set forth in city policies and ordinances, including the Sustainable Materials Management Plan and Climate Action Plan

Why it’s important

Single-use materials from food and beverages make up approximately 25% of the waste produced in California. Cups, straws, containers, condiments and other food-related items made with plastic and expanded polystyrene do not break down, litter our community, and cause harm to our local lagoons, ocean and wildlife.

Offering these items only when requested, offering reusable items and only offering certified compostable single-use foodware items will reduce waste and save businesses money. These actions will also:

Keeps 1,196 tons of these materials out of the landfill each year
Reduces Carlsbad’s overall waste stream by 3%
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 0.73%, which is the equivalent of 369 metric tons of carbon dioxide, or 6,101 tree seedlings grown for 10 years.

Who’s affected

How you can help

You can help keep Carlsbad beautiful by asking restaurants and others to “skip the stuff” when ordering food to go. You can also:

Carry reusable straws made from bamboo, stainless steel, silicone or compostable paper
Keep a set of washable utensils in your car, bag or purse
Carry a reusable lined bag or container for leftovers or taking food to go

Businesses will do their part by offering reusable items when possible or sustainable single-use takeout alternatives to plastic and Styrofoam (by request only).

Laws and regulations

Assembly Bill (AB) 1276 - Single-Use Foodware Accessories and Standard Condiments

Assembly Bill 1276 is a California state law, sometimes referred to as “Skip the Stuff,” that requires food establishments to provide food and beverage accessories only upon request and use only reusable foodware for on-site dining. This law has been in effect since January 2022.

Carlsbad Municipal Code CS-447 Chapter 6.20 Phased-In Single Use Plastic Foodware Ban

This is a local ordinance that prohibits the use and distribution of any polystyrene (Styrofoam) and single-use plastic foodware from food establishments and recommends their replacement with reusable, marine degradable or compostable alternatives in Carlsbad. This municipal ordinance took effect in July 2023.

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