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Single-Use Items

Single-Use Items in Santa Ana, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

If you live in Santa Ana or are thinking about moving there, single-use items are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Santa Ana has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of single-use items, and some of them might surprise you.

Plastic Straw Rules

California Assembly Bill 1884 prevents Santa Ana full-service restaurants from giving customers single-use plastic straws unless the customer specifically requests one.

Key details: Statute: Cal. PRC 42270. Scope: Full-service only. Default: On request. Penalty: Warning, then small fine.

Automatically placing plastic straws on tables or with drinks at a full-service restaurant, or refusing a straw to a customer who requests one.

Santa Ana is more permissive than most cities when it comes to plastic straw rules. That said, there are still limits.

Plastic Bag Rules

Under California Public Resources Code 42281, Santa Ana grocery and retail stores cannot give away thin single-use plastic bags and must charge at least 10 cents for any reusable or paper bag.

Key details: Statute: Cal. PRC 42281. Min charge: 10 cents per bag. Exempt: CalFresh, WIC users. Registry: CalRecycle bag list.

Distributing thin single-use plastic carryout bags, charging less than 10 cents per reusable bag, or failing to register reusable bag suppliers with CalRecycle.

Utensils-On-Request

California Assembly Bill 1276 bars Santa Ana takeout and delivery food sellers from including single-use utensils, condiment packets, and similar accessories unless the customer asks for them.

Key details: Statute: Cal. PRC 42275. Scope: Takeout + delivery. Penalty: Up to $25 per day. Free: On any request.

Defaulting to include utensil bundles in every takeout order, hiding the opt-in on a delivery app, or charging customers for accessories.

The Bottom Line

Santa Ana's single-use items rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Santa Ana is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Santa Ana's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.