Key Facts Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources

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

Some Restrictions

Verified 1 week ago|Source: California PRC 42270 →

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Key Facts

State authority: PRC 42270+ / AB 1276
Customer trigger: Must affirmatively request
Annual penalty cap: $300 per facility
Exempt settings: Hospitals and schools

City-specific rules exist: Riverside has its own utensils-on-request rules that differ from Riverside County's county-level regulations. If you live in Riverside, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

California Assembly Bill 1276 requires food facilities, including those in Riverside County, to provide single-use foodware accessories and condiments only on customer request or at self-serve stations.

Full Breakdown

Public Resources Code section 42270 et seq. (AB 1276) prohibits food facilities from automatically including single-use plastic utensils, straws, stirrers, condiment cups, and napkins with takeout or delivery orders. Customers must affirmatively request them, and third-party delivery platforms must require an explicit selection. Riverside County Environmental Health checks compliance during routine inspections in unincorporated areas. The law applies to both dine-in and takeout in food facilities, with limited exemptions for institutional settings such as hospitals and schools. Reusable serviceware for dine-in is encouraged but not mandated.

Violations & Fines

First and second violations: written notice. Third and subsequent: 25 dollars per day, capped at 300 dollars annually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still grab utensils at a self-serve counter?

Yes. AB 1276 explicitly allows self-serve dispensers, including bins of pre-wrapped utensils, where customers take only what they need.

Does this rule apply to delivery apps?

Yes. DoorDash, Uber Eats, and similar platforms must include an opt-in for utensils rather than including them by default.

How does Riverside County compare?

See how Riverside County's utensils-on-request rules stack up against other locations.

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

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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