Carlsbad Plastic Foodware Reduction Ordinance

At the time of its passage, Carlsbad’s plastic foodware ordinance is the strongest of its type in San Diego County. It includes the following amendments: 

• A ban on single-use plastic foodware and polystyrene, effective July 2023. Only reusable or compostable will be allowed for both dine-in and takeout. 
•  “Skip the Stuff” — based on California AB-1276, requiring that restaurants and food delivery services provide single-use straws, condiments, utensils, etc. only upon request. The implementation date for Carlsbad is June 2022, which is in alignment with the State law.  

Surfrider San Diego applauds Carlsbad city staff for their attention to detail when drafting the ordinance, and is grateful to the City Council for unanimously voting to introduce the ordinance at its first reading on April 5, 2022. In the coming months, Carlsbad will consider additional restrictions on intentional balloon releases, single-use plastic bottles, and plastic bags. As we did during the drafting and passage of this foodware ordinance, Surfrider activists will act as a voice for our ocean, beaches and planet to ensure these additional ordinances become law.