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Berkeley, CA Single-Use Items: Utensils-On-Request (2026)

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

Key Facts

State law
AB 1276 (PRC 42271)
Local code
BMC Chapter 11.60
Includes
Utensils, straws, napkins, condiments
Default
Opt-in only

Summary

Berkeley restaurants and delivery platforms may only provide disposable utensils, straws, condiments, and napkins when customers explicitly request them, in line with state AB 1276 and stricter local rules.

(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 standard condiments packaged for single use provided by food facilities for use by consumers shall not be bundled or packaged in a manner that prohibits a consumer from taking only the type of single-use foodware accessory or standard condiment desired without also having to take a different type of single-use foodware accessory or standard condiment. (c) A food facility may ask a drive-through consumer if the consumer wants a single-use foodware accessory if the single-use foodware accessory is necessary for the consumer to consume ready-to-eat food, or to prevent spills of or safely transport ready-to-eat food. (e) (1) A third-party food delivery platform shall provide consumers with the option to request single-use foodware accessories or standard condiments from a food facility serving ready-to-eat food. (2) If a food facility uses any third-party delivery platform for ready-to-eat food, the food facility shall customize its menu with a list of available single-use foodware accessories and standard condiments, and only those single-use foodware accessories or standard condiments selected by the consumer shall be provided by the food facility.

Source: Berkeley Municipal CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

California AB 1276 (Public Resources Code section 42271) bans full-service and quick-service restaurants statewide from automatically providing single-use utensils, condiments, and napkins, including with delivery and takeout. Berkeley's Disposable Foodware and Litter Reduction Ordinance (BMC Chapter 11.60) goes further, requiring that all accessory items, including straws, be available only upon explicit customer request and that delivery platforms include opt-in checkboxes rather than default selections. Auto-included accessories are banned regardless of order channel. Restaurants must also choose certified compostable accessory items.

Violations & Fines

Restaurants and delivery apps that auto-include accessory items face Berkeley administrative fines under BMC Chapter 11.60 and potential state penalties under AB 1276 enforced by CalRecycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still get a straw if I ask?
Yes. Berkeley restaurants must provide a compostable straw on request, and provide accessible plastic alternatives for guests who need them under ADA accommodations.
Does this apply to grocery prepared foods?
Yes. Grocery delis and prepared-food sections in Berkeley fall within the foodware ordinance and may only hand out accessory items when the customer asks for them.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Berkeley

All Berkeley rules

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