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Riverside, CA Single-Use Items: Plastic Straw Rules (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Statute
PRC 42270
Scope
dine-in full-service only
Warning steps
first two violations
Paper straws
freely allowed

Summary

California Assembly Bill 1884 prohibits Riverside full-service restaurants from automatically providing single-use plastic straws; customers must specifically request a straw before staff may offer one with a beverage.

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 and then discarded, and not designed for repeated use and sanitizing. (e) "Single-use foodware accessory" means all of the following single-use items provided alongside ready-to-eat food: (1) Utensils, which is defined as forks, knives, spoons, and sporks. (2) Chopsticks. (3) Condiment cups and packets. (4) Straws. (5) Stirrers. (6) Splash sticks. (7) Cocktail sticks. (f) "Standard condiment" means relishes, spices, sauces, confections, or seasonings that require no additional preparation and that are usually used on a food item after preparation, including ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, soy sauce, hot sauce, salsa, salt, pepper, sugar, and sugar substitutes. (g) "Third-party food delivery platform" has the same meaning as in Section 113930.5 of the Health and Safety Code.

Source: California Legislative InformationView official code

Full Breakdown

Public Resources Code section 42270 et seq. covers full-service dine-in restaurants, defined as establishments with table service. Servers cannot pre-place plastic straws or hand them out unrequested. Quick-service and takeout-only locations are exempt from this specific rule but face other source-reduction duties under SB 54. First and second violations trigger written warnings, and additional violations carry per-day fines up to a statutory cap. Riverside health inspectors flag noncompliance during routine restaurant visits, and non-plastic alternatives such as paper or compostable straws may still be offered freely.

Violations & Fines

Automatically distributing plastic straws to dine-in customers after warnings exposes a Riverside full-service restaurant to per-day fines until the practice stops.

Frequently Asked Questions

What about kids meals?
Even for children, plastic straws can only be provided on request at full-service restaurants; a non-plastic option may be offered automatically without violating AB 1884.
Are takeout cups exempt?
Takeout-only and fast-food restaurants are not covered by the request-only rule, but other plastic-source-reduction duties under SB 54 still apply over time.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Riverside

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsUtensils-On-RequestSome RestrictionsTakeout ContainersSome RestrictionsPolystyrene Foam RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesLight RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions

All Riverside rules

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