Stockton's Single-Use Items: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles single-use items a little differently. In Stockton, California, there are 4 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

Stockton retailers follow California's statewide single-use plastic carryout bag ban under SB 270. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and large retailers must charge at least 10 cents for any reusable or recycled paper bag provided at checkout.

Key details: State law: SB 270 / Prop 67. Bag fee: Min 10 cents. SNAP exemption: Yes, fee waived. 2026 update: SB 1053 tightens rules.

Distributing banned thin-film single-use plastic bags, failing to charge the 10-cent fee, or claiming non-compliant bags as reusable can trigger civil penalties under state law.

Compared to other cities, Stockton takes a harder line on plastic bag rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Utensils-On-Request

California AB 1276 requires Stockton food facilities and third-party delivery platforms to provide single-use utensils, condiments, napkins, and stirrers only when a customer affirmatively requests them. Default inclusion in takeout and delivery orders is prohibited.

Key details: State law: AB 1276. Covers: Utensils, napkins, condiments. Apps: Must offer opt-in. Max fine: $300 per year.

Including utensils or condiments in takeout or delivery orders by default, or making the request opt-out instead of opt-in, leads to written notices and escalating fines up to $300 per year.

Plastic Straw Rules

Under California AB 1884, full-service Stockton restaurants may only provide single-use plastic straws when a customer specifically requests one. Fast-food and counter-service venues are exempt, but many comply voluntarily by switching to paper or compostable straws.

Key details: State law: AB 1884. Covered: Full-service restaurants. Exempt: Counter and drive-through. Max fine: $300 per year.

Full-service restaurants automatically providing plastic straws without request face written warnings, then fines of $25 per day up to $300 annually for repeat offenses.

Polystyrene Foam Rules

California SB 54 phases out expanded polystyrene foam foodware unless producers meet aggressive recycling targets. Stockton restaurants and packers should expect EPS clamshells, cups, and trays to disappear from the supply chain by 2026.

Key details: State law: SB 54 (2022). EPS recycling target: 25% by 2025 (missed). Phase-out: EPS foodware ends 2026. Enforcer: CalRecycle.

Distributing prohibited EPS foodware after the statutory phase-out date can subject producers and large retailers to civil penalties under SB 54 and CalRecycle enforcement actions.

The Bottom Line

Stockton'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 Stockton is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Stockton'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.