Alexei Volkov
San Diego has implemented various laws and ordinances to reduce single-use plastics, including bags and expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam containers. The city's efforts to reduce single-use plastics began as early as 2016 with a plastic bag ban, which prohibited grocery stores, pharmacies, corner markets, and liquor stores from providing single-use plastic bags. In 2019, San Diego passed another ordinance banning certain EPS foam products, but its implementation was delayed due to a lawsuit. The city's most recent ordinance, the Single-Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance (SUPRO), took effect on April 1, 2023, prohibiting the distribution and sale of most polystyrene foam containers and limiting single-use plastic products in city facilities and events. This ordinance aligns with San Diego's zero-waste goals and broader state policies, such as California's Proposition 67, which bans plastic bags statewide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the ordinance | Single-Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance (SUPRO) |
| Date of implementation | April 1, 2023 |
| What it includes | Most polystyrene foam containers, single-use plastic straws and utensils, coolers, ice chests, pool or beach toys, dock floats, mooring buoys, anchor or navigation markers |
| Where it applies | All city facilities, including parks and beaches |
| Businesses exempt from the ordinance | Small businesses with a gross income of $500,000 or less (until March 31, 2024) |
| How to apply for a waiver | Email [email protected] |
| How to report violations | Contact the City Attorney or County Attorney |
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What You'll Learn
The Single-Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance
The City of San Diego's Single-Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance (SUPRO) came into effect on April 1, 2023. The ordinance aims to reduce single-use plastic products and promote waste diversion at city facilities and events held on city property. Here are the key components of the ordinance:
Polystyrene Foam Containers
The ordinance prohibits the distribution and sale of most polystyrene foam containers, including food service items such as bowls, plates, trays, cups, lids, egg cartons, and meat trays. This also extends to other items like coolers, ice chests, pool or beach toys, dock floats, and mooring buoys. All polystyrene foam products are banned from city facilities, including parks and beaches.
Single-Use Plastic Straws and Utensils
Single-use plastic (including bioplastic) straws and utensils may only be provided to customers upon request. Restaurants are prohibited from automatically providing these items and must instead offer them only when requested by the customer.
Exemptions and Waivers
Small businesses with a gross income of $500,000 or less were granted an automatic waiver from the ordinance, which expires on March 31, 2024. Additionally, waivers may be available for feasibility-based hardship and financial hardship. Businesses impacted by the January 22, 2024, storm may also be eligible for exemptions.
California State Laws
It is important to note that California state laws also play a role in reducing single-use plastic. California law allows consumers to bring their own reusable food and beverage containers to foodservice establishments. California Health and Safety Codes provide guidelines for the handling of consumer-owned containers and the refilling of beverages. Assembly Bills 1884 and 1276 place restrictions on providing utensils, straws, and condiments.
Impact and Goals
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Plastic bag ban
The City of San Diego's Single-Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance (SUPRO) came into effect on April 1, 2023. The ordinance prohibits the distribution and sale of most polystyrene foam containers, including food service items like bowls, plates, cups, and lids. Single-use plastic straws and utensils may only be provided upon customer request, and all polystyrene foam products are banned from city facilities, including parks and beaches.
The ordinance is part of San Diego's efforts to achieve its Zero Waste goals, maintain clean public spaces, and meet the objectives of its Climate Action Plan. It complements broader state policies and initiatives, such as California's Proposition 67, which bans plastic bags statewide, and the SB 54 extended producer responsibility law.
Under the ordinance, waivers and exemptions are available for businesses facing feasibility and financial hardships. Small businesses with a gross income of $500,000 or less were given a grace period until March 31, 2024, to comply with the ban.
The ban is expected to have a significant impact on reducing plastic waste and protecting the environment, including marine life. However, some businesses have expressed concerns about the increased costs and potential impact on food quality associated with switching from polystyrene foam to alternative packaging.
In addition to the city-wide efforts, Coronado, a part of San Diego County, has taken further steps towards reducing single-use plastics. An ordinance finalized on February 18, 2025, and taking effect on August 17, 2025, includes a Single-Use Plastic Foodware Ban, a Retail Foam Foodware Ban, a Floating Balloon Ban, and a Partial Beverage Bottle Ban.
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Plastic straws and utensils
The City of San Diego's Single-Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance (SUPRO) came into effect on April 1, 2023. The ordinance prohibits the distribution and sale of most polystyrene foam containers, including food service ware such as bowls, plates, trays, cups, and lids.
Single-use plastic straws and utensils are included in this ordinance and may only be provided to customers upon request. This also applies to single-use plastic condiment packets. Additionally, certain products may not be distributed if made from polystyrene foam unless encased within another material. These products include coolers, ice chests, pool or beach toys, and dock floats.
The ordinance also specifies that all polystyrene foam products are prohibited from city facilities, including parks and beaches. Small businesses with a gross income of $500,000 or less were given an automatic waiver from this ordinance, which expires on March 31, 2024.
The Single-Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance is part of San Diego's efforts to achieve its Zero Waste goals, maintain clean public spaces, and meet the objectives of the City's Climate Action Plan. This ordinance also aligns with broader state and local laws aimed at limiting plastic products and reducing plastic waste.
It's important to note that these regulations may vary slightly depending on the specific jurisdiction within San Diego County, as some cities and counties have their own ordinances and regulations regarding single-use plastics.
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Polystyrene foam ban
The City of San Diego's Single-Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance (SUPRO) came into effect on April 1, 2023. The ordinance prohibits the distribution and sale of most polystyrene foam containers, including food service ware such as bowls, plates, trays, cups, and lids. This also includes egg cartons and meat trays.
The ordinance also restricts the distribution of certain products made from polystyrene foam unless they are encased within another material. These products include coolers, ice chests, pool or beach toys, and dock floats. All polystyrene foam products are banned from city facilities, including parks and beaches.
The ban on polystyrene foam in San Diego is part of the city's efforts to reduce single-use plastic products and promote waste diversion. It is aligned with the city's Zero Waste goals and the objectives of the Climate Action Plan. The ban also addresses the issue of polystyrene foam litter, which breaks down into small pieces that do not biodegrade, often ending up in the ocean and harming wildlife.
Small businesses with a gross income of $500,000 or less were granted an automatic waiver from the polystyrene foam ban until March 31, 2024. Additionally, waivers may be available for feasibility-based hardship and financial hardship. The city has also mentioned taking an education-first approach, with enforcement and fines coming only after warnings and attempts to educate businesses.
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Plastic beverage bottles
The City of San Diego's Single-Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance (SUPRO) came into effect on April 1, 2023. The ordinance prohibits the distribution and sale of most polystyrene foam containers, including food service ware such as bowls, plates, cups, and lids. It also restricts the provision of single-use plastic straws and utensils, which may only be given to customers upon request.
While the SUPRO is a significant step towards reducing plastic waste in San Diego, it does not specifically implement a comprehensive ban on plastic beverage bottles. However, there are certain provisions in place that address their usage. For instance, the ordinance includes a partial beverage bottle ban, prohibiting single-use plastic beverage bottles at city facilities or city-sponsored events. This means that during events organised by the city or within city-owned spaces, single-use plastic water bottles will not be available.
The partial beverage bottle ban is part of San Diego County's efforts to reduce single-use plastics and promote more sustainable alternatives. This particular ordinance was finalised on February 18, 2025, and will take effect on August 17, 2025. It is important to note that this ban only applies to city facilities and events, and does not extend to private businesses or other public spaces.
In addition to the county's efforts, some cities within San Diego County, such as Carlsbad, have taken more comprehensive approaches to banning single-use plastic bottles. For example, Carlsbad has committed to banning all single-use plastic bags and bottles, demonstrating an even stricter stance on plastic waste reduction.
While there is currently no county-wide ban on plastic beverage bottles in San Diego, the partial beverage bottle ban and other ordinances reflect a growing trend towards reducing plastic waste and encouraging the use of reusable and environmentally friendly alternatives.
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Frequently asked questions
San Diego's plastic bag ban started on December 9, 2016. The ban prohibits grocery stores, pharmacies, corner market stores, and liquor stores from selling single-use plastic bags.
San Diego's ban on single-use plastic products, including expanded polystyrene foam containers, started on April 1, 2023.
Small businesses with a gross income of $500,000 or less were given a waiver until March 31, 2024. Businesses impacted by the January 22, 2024, storm may also be eligible for a waiver.
