Single-Use Items in Los Angeles, CA (2026)
6 verified single-use items rules for Los Angeles, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Plastic Bag Rules
Los Angeles banned single-use plastic carryout bags at large supermarkets effective January 1, 2014 and extended the ban citywide to all retailers on July 1, 2014. Retailers must charge at least 10 cents per recycled-content paper bag or reusable bag. SB 1053 (2026) phases out the thicker "reusable" plastic bag exemption.
Los Angeles Plastic Bag Ban & Paper Bag Fee
Heavy RestrictionsPolystyrene Foam Rules
Los Angeles Ordinance 187200 added LAMC section 195.30 to ban food vendors and city facilities from using expanded polystyrene foam containers, cups, plates, trays, and coolers. Phase-in dates vary by business size, but the ban is now full citywide.
Expanded polystyrene foam containers banned citywide
Heavy RestrictionsPlastic Straw Rules
Los Angeles Ordinance 185489 (LAMC section 195.20) bars food and beverage facilities from automatically providing single-use plastic straws. Straws must be offered only on request and ideally non-plastic. California AB-1884 imposes a parallel statewide rule on full-service restaurants.
Plastic straws only on customer request in LA
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Public Resources Code Sec. 42270 (Single-Use Foodware Accessories — Definitions, including Straws)
42270. For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply: (a) "Consumer" has the same meaning as in Section 113757 of the Health and Safety Code. (b) "Food facility" has the same meaning as in Section 113789 of the Health and Safety Code. (c) "Ready-to-eat food" has the same meaning as in Section 113881 of the Health and Safety Code. (d) "Single-use" means designed to be used once a...
Utensils-On-Request
California AB-1276 and Los Angeles implementation require food facilities to provide single-use utensils, straws, condiment packets, and stirrers only when the customer specifically requests them or selects them at a self-service station.
Single-use utensils and accessories only on customer request
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Public Resources Code Sec. 42271 (Single-Use Foodware Accessories — Provided Only on Customer Request)
42271. (a) Except as provided in subdivisions (c) and (d), a food facility, for on-premises dining or when using a third-party food delivery platform, shall not provide any single-use foodware accessory or standard condiment packaged for single use to a consumer unless the single-use foodware accessory or standard condiment is requested by the consumer. (b) Single-use foodware accessories and s...
Plastic Cups
LAMC chapter XIX article 5.5 bans expanded polystyrene foam cups at all food facilities and city events. Other plastic cups remain allowed but must meet recyclability or compostability standards under California SB-54 and AB-1201 labeling rules.
Polystyrene foam cups banned; plastic cup options regulated
Heavy RestrictionsTakeout Containers
Los Angeles prohibits expanded polystyrene foam takeout containers, clamshells, plates, trays, and bowls under Ordinance 187357. Replacement fiber or plastic containers labeled compostable must hold BPI or CMA certification under California AB-1201.
Foam takeout containers banned; compostable claims require certification
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Los Angeles city rules.
Single-Use Items in Los Angeles County →