Environmental Services
The City of San Diego's
Single Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance is effective as of April 1, 2023. In summary:
NOTE: Waivers are available for feasibility-based hardships, financial hardships and contractual requirements. There is an automatic waiver through March 31, 2024 for entities with gross income less than $500,000 on most recent federal income tax filing. To apply for a waiver, please email sdrecyclingworks@sandiego.gov.
Polystyrene foam products are typically used one time before being discarded, and due to their light weight can easily become litter. Polystyrene foam litter breaks down into small pieces which do not biodegrade and often end up in streets, canyons, waterways, storm drains, and eventually the ocean, where it harms wildlife that mistakenly ingests it.
Plastic straws are a significant contributor to marine pollution and are among the most common forms of litter collected on California beaches. They are not accepted in local recycling programs.
The Single Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance will help San Diego reach its Zero Waste goals and help maintain clean and beautiful beaches and public spaces. The Ordinance will also meet the objectives of the City’s Climate Action Plan.
Material | Product | Comments |
---|---|---|
Reusable service ware (ceramic, glass, reusable plastic, etc.). | Reusable plates, bowls and cups. | Wash and reuse. |
Paper (coated or uncoated). | Bowls, plates, trays, cups, hinged containers, boxes. | Recyclable if dry and free of food and food residue. |
Aluminum. | Trays, lidded containers, wrap. | Recyclable if free of food. |
Plastic (rigid, non-foam). | Bowls, plates, trays, cups, lids, hinged containers. | Recyclable if free of food. |
Material | Product | Comments |
---|---|---|
"Compostable" and "biodegradable" plastic, sugarcane, bagasse, bamboo, molded fiber and other similar items. |
Bowls, plates, trays, cups, hinged containers, boxes, lids, wrap. | Not Recyclable, must be placed in trash. Not accepted in local recycling or composting programs. Does not help San Diego reach its zero waste goals. |
Ask your current supplier about alternatives to polystyrene foam. You may also check these other cities' lists of alternative products:
California Assembly Bills 1884 and 1276 also place some restrictions on providing utensils, straws and condiments. Learn more about AB 1884 and AB 1276.