Santa Monica's Single-Use Items: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles single-use items a little differently. In Santa Monica, California, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Plastic Bag Rules

Santa Monica bans single-use plastic carry out bags at all retail establishments. Grocery stores and pharmacies may only provide reusable bags or recycled paper bags (for at least 10 cents per bag). The ban also applies at City facilities, City-permitted events, and Santa Monica Farmers Markets.

Key details: What is banned: Single-use plastic carry out bags (<2.25 mils thick). Minimum paper bag fee: 10 cents per recycled paper bag. Farmers Market rule: No single-use plastic or paper bags; small recycled paper for mushrooms only. Infraction fine: Up to $250. Misdemeanor fine: Up to $1,000 or 6 months jail.

Infraction: fine up to $250. Misdemeanor: fine up to $1,000 or up to 6 months in the County Jail, or both. Each violation is a separate offense. Administrative fines may be graduated for repeat violations.

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

Plastic Straw Rules

Santa Monica food and beverage providers may only give out single-use straws and utensils upon customer request: they may not be automatically provided with orders. Plastic straws may still be kept and dispensed to customers with disabilities who request them.

Key details: Default straw policy: Straws and utensils provided on request only. Straw type required: Marine degradable (no plastic), upon request. Disability accommodation: Plastic straws may still be given to disabled customers who request them. Applies to: All food/beverage providers, City facilities, events. Violation fine: Up to $250 per infraction.

Violation of the food service ware chapter is an infraction punishable by a fine up to $250 per violation. Administrative citations may also be issued under Chapter 1.09 of the Code.

Polystyrene Foam Rules

Santa Monica prohibits food and beverage providers from dispensing prepared food or drinks in any non-marine degradable disposable food service ware, effectively banning polystyrene (Plastic #6) containers, cups, plates, bowls, trays, lids, and similar items.

Key details: Banned material: Polystyrene (Plastic #6) and all non-marine degradable food service ware. Who must comply: All food or beverage providers in Santa Monica. Items covered: Plates, cups, bowls, trays, hinged containers, straws, stirrers, lids, utensils. City events covered: Yes. City facilities, events, concessions. Infraction fine: Up to $250 per violation.

Infraction: fine up to $250 per violation. Administrative citations may also be issued. The City Attorney may seek injunctive or other relief.

Compared to other cities, Santa Monica takes a harder line on polystyrene foam rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Santa Monica's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.