In San Diego County, protecting our ocean, waves, and beaches is paramount—and in 2025, two coastal cities rose to the challenge. Coronado kicked off the year by adopting a comprehensive single-use plastic ordinance, and In December, the Del Mar City Council voted to strengthen its already strong plastic reduction policies.
Del Mar has long been recognized as a regional leader in environmental stewardship and plastic reduction. The city was among the early adopters of single-use plastic reforms, banning single-use plastic bags in 2016 and phasing out polystyrene foodware in 2018. In 2025, Del Mar reaffirmed its environmental leadership by going even further.
Janis Jones (Rise Above Plastics Lead) and Mitch Silverstein (San Diego County Senior Policy Manager, now California Senior Policy Coordinator for the West Coast) were invited to conduct a presentation for Del Mar’s Sustainability Advisory Committee (SAC). Their presentation in August highlighted the harmful impacts of single-use plastics and showcased successful ordinances adopted by other cities in San Diego County.
Inspired by local model ordinances, especially Coronado’s, Sustainability Advisory Committee members and staff liaison Kaitlyn Elliot-Norgrove went to work drafting a strengthened single-use plastic reduction ordinance that was later advanced to the City Council for consideration.
Read an article by SAC member Jennifer Anderson in the Del Mar Sandpiper—Plastic Pollutants
During the City Council meeting on December 15th, the Council voted unanimously to adopt the proposed ordinance as presented by staff member Elliot-Norgrove. Community members who came out in support included SAC members and other engaged residents. A highlight of the evening was testimony from Surfrider Club members Hailey Saavedra and Robbie Luddie from La Jolla Country Day School, who spoke passionately about the need for action.
Hailey was even quoted in The Coast News:
"Hailey Saavedra, a junior at La Jolla Country Day School and Surfrider Club member, said reducing long-lasting plastic and polystyrene waste is crucial to protecting marine wildlife and reducing the release of harmful chemicals. She thanked the city for being willing to make local changes.
'I also think this ordinance sends a powerful message to young people. It tells us that our leaders care about our future and are willing to act now instead of waiting until the problem is worse,' Saavedra said."
The Coast News—Del Mar clamps down on polystyrene, single-use plastics
With this vote, Del Mar joins Coronado in adopting a forward-thinking policy that moves beyond “recyclable plastic” and bioplastic foodware, instead requiring materials that are truly compostable and accepted by local waste haulers in curbside compost bins. Highlights of the ordinance include the following:
The ordinance takes effect on February 6th, but businesses have six months to transition before enforcement begins. Ongoing outreach, education, and technical assistance will be conducted to help ensure a smooth and successful rollout.
The staff report and draft ordinance are available HERE.
The leadership shown by the cities of Del Mar and Coronado is commendable and reflects the growing momentum across San Diego County to address plastic pollution. Del Mar’s efforts to strengthen long-standing single-plastic reduction policies demonstrate that progress doesn’t come from a single action. Meaningful change requires ongoing commitment.
Solana Beach is another city that took early steps to move away from single-use plastics. It was the first city in San Diego County to adopt a single-use plastic bag ban and later enacted a polystyrene foam ban along with restrictions on other products. However, like Del Mar, Solana Beach has the opportunity to strengthen its ordinances.
To raise awareness in Solana Beach, Janis attended the City Council meeting on December 5th and spoke during oral communications. She shared Del Mar’s plans and encouraged the Council to evaluate their current ordinances and consider where they could be strengthened. In response, Mayor Heebner requested that a discussion about single-use plastics be added to a future agenda and the Council supported unanimously. We’ll be following their progress and are looking forward to another victory for our ocean, waves, and beaches soon.