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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

State law
AB-1884, PRC section 42270
Default
Straws on request only
City alignment
SDMC chapter 6 article 6
Disability access
Must accommodate requests

Summary

California AB-1884 (Public Resources Code section 42270) bars full-service restaurants from automatically providing single-use plastic straws. San Diego aligns through SDMC section 66.0701 plastics rules and County Public Health enforcement, requiring straws on request only.

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 [...].

Source: California Public Resources Code section 42270View official code

Full Breakdown

California AB-1884, codified at Public Resources Code section 42270, prohibits a full-service dine-in restaurant from providing a single-use plastic straw to a consumer unless requested. San Diego enforces this rule through County Department of Environmental Health permitting and aligns with city policy under SDMC chapter 6 article 6 division 7 plastics provisions, encouraging compostable or paper alternatives at quick-service and beverage retailers. Persons with disabilities must be accommodated upon request without burden under ADA and state Disability Rights guidance. The first violation is a notice; subsequent violations within a year carry fines up to twenty-five dollars per day, capped at three hundred annually under PRC section 42272.

Violations & Fines

Auto-distributing plastic straws violates Public Resources Code section 42270 and triggers a written warning, then fines up to twenty-five dollars per day, capped at three hundred dollars per year per state law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a coffee shop set out a self-serve straw caddy?
Most San Diego food retailers avoid self-service plastic straw stations to comply with state policy and city plastics rules. Staff should hand a straw only when a customer specifically asks.
Are paper or compostable straws restricted too?
Non-plastic straws can be offered, but the on-request culture applies broadly. Many San Diego businesses voluntarily limit even paper straws to requests to reduce coastal litter.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Diego

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesLight RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions

All San Diego rules

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