How Long Beach Handles Single-Use Items: A Practical Guide

Long Beach maintains 197 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with single-use items. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Long Beach falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Plastic Bag Rules

Long Beach was an early adopter, banning single-use plastic carryout bags at large retailers in 2011 under LBMC Chapter 8.103. The ordinance now operates alongside California's statewide ban (SB 270) requiring 10-cent fees for paper or reusable bags.

Key details: Code chapter: LBMC 8.103. Adopted: 2011. Bag fee: Ten cents minimum. State law: CA SB 270.

Providing prohibited single-use plastic bags or failing to charge the minimum fee can result in administrative citations of one hundred dollars for a first offense, two hundred for second, and five hundred for additional violations within a year.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Long Beach actively enforces its plastic bag rules requirements.

Polystyrene Foam Rules

Long Beach prohibits food vendors from using expanded polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) cups, plates, clamshells, and trays for prepared food. City facilities and city-permitted events must also use non-foam alternatives.

Key details: State law: CA SB 54. Banned material: Expanded polystyrene. Alternative materials: Paper, fiber, PLA. City events: Foam-free.

Distributing polystyrene foam food service ware can result in compliance assistance for first offenses and administrative citations of one hundred to five hundred dollars for repeat violations under LBMC enforcement provisions.

This is one of the stricter rules in Long Beach's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Utensils-On-Request

California Assembly Bill 1276 prohibits food facilities from automatically including single-use foodware accessories like utensils, straws, condiment packets, and napkins. Customers must specifically request them or check a box for online and delivery orders.

Key details: State law: CA AB 1276. Effective: 2022. Annual cap fine: Three hundred dollars. Online orders: Opt-in checkbox.

After two written warnings, food facilities can face administrative fines of twenty-five dollars per day up to three hundred dollars annually under AB 1276, plus local enforcement under LBMC Title 8 nuisance and litter provisions.

The Bottom Line

Long Beach is tougher than many cities when it comes to single-use items. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Long Beach, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Long Beach can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.