Single-Use Bag & Polystyrene Foam Food Ware Bans
in the Bay Area
Last Updated March 19, 2013
SINGLE-USE BAGS
Alameda (City of)
Joining Stopwaste’s countywide ban, the city of Alameda approved a plastic bag ban with 10-cent charge on recycled-content paper bags which went into effect on January 1, 2013.
Alameda County
See StopWaste.
Albany
Joining StopWaste’s countywide ban, the City of Albany approved a plastic bag ban with 10-cent charge on recycled-content paper bags which went into effect on January 1, 2013.
Belmont
Belmont adopted San Mateo County’s plastic bag ban ordinance on January 8, 2013. Starting on April 22, 2013, retailers will no longer hand out plastic bags. Stores will also begin charging 10 cents for paper bags to encourage people to bring their own reusable bags when they shop.
Berkeley
Joining StopWaste’s countywide ban, the City of Berkeley approved a plastic bag ban with 10-cent charge on recycled-content paper bags which went into effect on January 1, 2013.
Brisbane
Brisbane adopted San Mateo County’s plastic bag ban ordinance on March 4, 2013. Starting in early June, retailers will no longer hand out plastic bags. Stores will also begin charging 10 cents for paper bags to encourage people to bring their own reusable bags when they shop.
Burlingame
Burlingame adopted San Mateo County’s plastic bag ban ordinance on March 4, 2013. Starting on April 22, 2013, retailers will no longer hand out plastic bags. Stores will also begin charging 10 cents for paper bags to encourage people to bring their own reusable bags when they shop.
Colma
Colma adopted San Mateo County’s plastic bag ban ordinance on January 9, 2013. Starting on April 22, 2013, retailers will no longer hand out plastic bags. Stores will also begin charging 10 cents for paper bags to encourage people to bring their own reusable bags when they shop.
(West) Contra Costa County
Recyclemore – the West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority - recently completed an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for a regional single-use bag ban. The EIR proposes the adoption of a model ordinance banning plastic carry-out bags at all retail establishments except restaurants and non-profit charitable reuse organizations. The draft EIR is currently in a 45-day public review period which will end on March 4, 2013.
Cupertino
Cupertino adopted San Mateo County’s plastic bag ban ordinance on January 15, 2013. Starting on October 1, 2013, retailers will no longer hand out plastic bags. Stores will also begin charging 10 cents for paper bags to encourage people to bring their own reusable bags when they shop.
Daly City
Colma adopted San Mateo County’s plastic bag ban ordinance in January 2013. Starting on April 22, 2013, retailers will no longer hand out plastic bags. Stores will also begin charging 10 cents for paper bags to encourage people to bring their own reusable bags when they shop.
Dublin
Joining StopWaste’s countywide ban, the City of Dublin approved a plastic bag ban with 10-cent charge on recycled-content paper bags which went into effect on January 1, 2013.
East Palo Alto
East Palo Alto is moving forward in the process of passing San Mateo County’s plastic bag ban ordinance. The ordinance goes before the City Council on March 19, 2013.
Emeryville
Joining StopWaste’s countywide ban, the City of Emeryville approved a plastic bag ban with 10-cent charge on recycled-content paper bags which went into effect on January 1, 2013.
Fairfax
Residents of the Town of Fairfax passed a ban on plastic bags through a voter initiative in November 2008. Staff are interested in expanding the ban to include a charge on paper bags as well.
Foster City
Foster City adopted San Mateo County’s plastic bag ban ordinance on January 7, 2013. Starting on April 22, 2013, retailers will no longer hand out plastic bags. Stores will also begin charging 10 cents for paper bags to encourage people to bring their own reusable bags when they shop.
Fremont
Joining StopWaste’s countywide ban, the City of Fremont approved a plastic bag ban with 10-cent charge on recycled-content paper bags which went into effect on January 1, 2013.
Half Moon Bay
The city council unanimously adopted San Mateo County's plastic bag ban ordinance on February 19, 2013. The ban goes into effect on April 22, 2013, though the city says it will not begin enforcing it until October 2013. Stores will also begin charging 10 cents for paper bags to encourage people to bring their own reusable bags when they shop.
Hayward
Joining StopWaste’s countywide ban, the City of Hayward approved a plastic bag ban with 10-cent charge on recycled-content paper bags which went into effect on January 1, 2013.
Livermore
Joining StopWaste’s countywide ban, the City of Livermore approved a plastic bag ban with 10-cent charge on recycled-content paper bags which went into effect on January 1, 2013.
Los Altos
Los Altos adopted San Mateo County’s plastic bag ban ordinance on March 12, 2013. Starting on July 4, 2013, retailers will no longer hand out plastic bags. Stores will also begin charging 10 cents for paper bags to encourage people to bring their own reusable bags when they shop.
Marin County
The Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance on January 25, 2011 that bans plastic bags and requires stores to charge $0.05 for recycled content paper bags. The Save The Plastic Bag Coalition sued the county for not completing an EIR, but the county’s approach was upheld by the trial court. The ban went into effect January 1, 2012 for stores that sell food, while gift shops and other small retailers are exempt at this time. The Save The Plastic Bag Coalition has said that it will appeal the trail court’s decision.
Menlo Park
Menlo Park adopted San Mateo County’s plastic bag ban ordinance on January 22, 2013. Starting on April 22, 2013, retailers will no longer hand out plastic bags. Stores will also begin charging 10 cents for paper bags to encourage people to bring their own reusable bags when they shop.
Millbrae
Millbrae adopted a plastic bag ban and a $0.10 paper bag charge for all retail establishments on February 14, 2012. The ordinance went into effect on September 1, 2012.
Mountain View
Mountain View adopted San Mateo County’s plastic bag ban ordinance on December 11, 2012. Starting on April 22, 2013, retailers will no longer hand out plastic bags. Stores will also begin charging 10 cents for paper bags to encourage people to bring their own reusable bags when they shop.
Newark
Joining StopWaste’s countywide ban, the City of Newark approved a plastic bag ban with 10-cent charge on recycled-content paper bags which went into effect on January 1, 2013.
Oakland
Joining StopWaste’s countywide ban, the City of Oakland approved a plastic bag ban with 10-cent charge on recycled-content paper bags which went into effect on January 1, 2013.
Pacifica
Pacifica adopted San Mateo County’s plastic bag ban ordinance on December 10, 2012. Starting on April 22, 2013, retailers will no longer hand out plastic bags. Stores will also begin charging 10 cents for paper bags to encourage people to bring their own reusable bags when they shop.
Palo Alto
On March 11, 2013 Palo Alto amended its original 2009 ordinance to apply to all retail stores and restaurants, and to include a charge on recycled-content paper bags. Starting on June 1, 2013, retailers will no longer hand out plastic bags; the ban extends to restaurants beginning November 1, 2013. Stores will also begin charging 10-cents for paper bags to encourage people to bring their own reusable bags when they shop.
Piedmont
Joining StopWaste’s countywide ban, the City of Piedmont approved a plastic bag ban with 10-cent charge on recycled-content paper bags which went into effect on January 1, 2013.
Pleasanton
Joining StopWaste’s countywide ban, the City of Pleasanton approved a plastic bag ban with 10-cent charge on recycled-content paper bags which went into effect on January 1, 2013.
Portola Valley
Portola Valley adopted San Mateo County’s plastic bag ban ordinance in January 2013. Starting on April 22, 2013, retailers will no longer hand out plastic bags. Stores will also begin charging 10 cents for paper bags to encourage people to bring their own reusable bags when they shop.
Redwood City
Redwood City adopted San Mateo County’s plastic bag ban ordinance on March 11, 2013. Starting on October 1, 2013, retailers will no longer hand out plastic bags. Stores will also begin charging 10 cents for paper bags to encourage people to bring their own reusable bags when they shop.
San Bruno
San Bruno adopted San Mateo County’s plastic bag ban ordinance in January 2013. Starting on April 22, 2013, retailers will no longer hand out plastic bags. Stores will also begin charging 10 cents for paper bags to encourage people to bring their own reusable bags when they shop.
San Carlos
San Carlos adopted San Mateo County’s plastic bag ban ordinance on January 25, 2013. Starting on July 1, 2013, retailers will no longer hand out plastic bags. Stores will also begin charging 10 cents for paper bags to encourage people to bring their own reusable bags when they shop.
San Francisco
In 2007, San Francisco was the first U.S. city to adopt a ban on plastic bags, initiating a regional, statewide, and nationwide trend. In an effort to strengthen the ordinance and further prevent plastic bag litter, the city passed amendments in February 2012. The improved policy expands the ban to include all retail stores and all restaurants. Furthermore, it requires a minimum charge of $0.10 for paper and reusable bags, currently in effect.
San Jose
The City of San Jose implemented a plastic bag ban and a $0.10 charge on paper bags for large-scale retail establishments on January 1, 2012. After two years, the minimum charge for paper bags increases to 25 cents. There has been a high level of compliance and minimal complaints from the public since the ordinance went into effect.
San Leandro
Joining StopWaste’s countywide ban, the City of San Leandro approved a plastic bag ban with 10-cent charge on recycled-content paper bags which went into effect on January 1, 2013.
San Mateo County
On October 23, 2012, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors passed a ban on plastic bags for the unincorporated areas of the county. Starting on Earth Day 2013 (April 22nd), retailers in the unincorporated county will no longer hand out plastic bags. Stores will also begin charging at least 10 cents for paper bags to encourage people to bring their own reusable bags when they shop.
Santa Clara County
On January 1, 2012, a plastic bag ban and a minimum $0.15 charge for paper bags went into effect for all retailers in the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County.
Santa Clara County Cities
The cities of Campbell, Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Gatos, Milpitas, and Mountain View have all pledged to participate in San Mateo County’s single-use bag ban efforts. Some have already adopted the model ordinance; others are still in the process. Please see San Mateo County for additional information.
South San Francisco
South San Francisco adopted San Mateo County’s plastic bag ban ordinance on November 14, 2013. Starting on July 1, 2013, retailers will no longer hand out plastic bags. Stores will also begin charging 10 cents for paper bags to encourage people to bring their own reusable bags when they shop.
San Rafael
On November 1, 2010, the San Rafael City Council directed city staff to work with other Marin County cities to develop an ordinance similar to the one passed by the county. The city created a Single-Use Plastics Advisory Committee to help guide staff on addressing single-use bags and polystyrene food ware. The Committee consists of city staff from other MarinCounty cities including Novato, San Anselmo, Sausalito, and others. Staff are continuing with background research and ordinance development while awaiting the final outcome of MarinCounty’s lawsuit.
Sonoma County
In January 2013, the Sonoma County Waste Management Agency (also known as RecycleNow) drafted an environmental impact report on a proposed plastic bag ban ordinance.
The ordinance, which would apply to all of Sonoma County including its incorporated cities, would ban plastic bags at all retail establishments except restaurants, and mandate a minimum $0.10 charge on recycled-content paper bags.
Stopwaste (Alameda County)
Stopwaste – a public agency made up of the Alameda County Waste Management Authority and the Alameda County Source Reduction and Recycling Board – banned single-use plastic carryout bags in Alameda County in January of 2012. The ordinance went into effect on January 1, 2013 and applies to all grocery stores, liquor stores, convenience stores, and other entities that sell milk, bread, soda, and snack foods, and/or alcohol. Recycled-content paper bags may be provided at a minimum price of $0.10 per bag.
Sunnyvale
In December of 2011, Sunnyvale adopted a plastic bag ban and a $0.10 minimum charge for recycled content paper bags. The ordinance goes into effect on June 20, 2012 for large and food-selling retailers; all other retailers will be phased in by March 2013. The charge for paper bags will increase to $0.25 on January 2, 2014.
Union City
Joining StopWaste’s countywide ban, Union City approved a plastic bag ban with 10-cent charge on recycled-content paper bags which went into effect on January 1, 2013.
Woodside
The city council is considering adoption of San Mateo County's plastic bag ban ordinance. On February 26, 2013, Council directed staff to draft an ordinance that deviates significantly from the county's model, including eliminating the charge on paper bags. Staff will come back at a yet-to-be-determined date with this revised draft.
POLYSTYRENE (STYROFOAM) FOODWARE
Alameda (City of)
The city’s ban on the use of Styrofoam by food vendors and government facilities was enacted in January 2008. Food vendors are strongly encouraged to provide reusable food service ware in place of disposable food service ware. In instances where food vendors decide to use a biodegradable or compostable disposable food service ware product that is not affordable, a food vendor may charge a "take out fee" to customers to cover the cost difference.
Albany
The ban, enacted September 1, 2008, prohibits the use of Styrofoam take-out food containers at all vendors and government facilities within the city.
Belmont
Adopted on July 10, 2012 and enacted in August 2012, food vendors in the Belmont are prohibited from distributing prepared food in polystyrene food ware (following San Mateo County’s model ordinance).
Berkeley
One of the earliest Bay Area Styrofoam ordinances, the city adopted their ban on Styrofoam food ware in January 1990.
Burlingame
Taking advantage of the county’s offer to enforce and conduct outreach for any San MateoCounty city that adopts the county’s ban, Burlingame adopted the county’s ordinance in May 2011. Burlingame’s ordinance went into effect on January 1, 2012, prohibiting food vendors and city facilities from using both Styrofoam and non-recyclable food ware.
Colma
Adopted March 2013, Colma’s ban follows San Mateo County’s model ordinance. Polystyrene food ware will be prohibited from distribution by food vendors.
Emeryville
Adopted March 2006, Emeryville’s ban prohibits the use of Styrofoam food ware and requires that food vendors and government facilities use biodegradable, compostable or recyclable alternatives.
Fairfax
Fairfax adopted their Styrofoam food ware ban in 1993, which applies to all restaurants and retail food vendors.
Foster City
Passed in September 2011 and effective April 2012, the city adopted San MateoCounty’s ordinance. The County Health Department will enforce the ordinance in all participating cities as a part of county inspections, with city-imposed fines for noncompliance.
Fremont
Fremont’s ban, which went into effect in January 2011, prohibits the use of Styrofoam food ware at all vendors within the city. Vendors are required to instead use recyclable or compostable products.
Half Moon Bay
The city adopted San MateoCounty’s ban one day after Burlingame in May 2011. The ordinance went into effect in August 2011, which means that food vendors and city facilities can no longer use any type of polystyrene food ware, including Styrofoam.
Hayward
As of July 1, 2010, food vendors in Hayward are no longer allowed to use Styrofoam food ware and must instead use recyclable or compostable products.
Hercules
Adopted May 2008, the ordinance bans all Styrofoam beverage cups, takeout containers and other food service utensils in restaurants and at city facilities.
Marin County
The county’s ban went into effect on July 1, 2010. According to the ordinance, retail food vendors, restaurants, and county facilities can no longer provide prepared or take-out food in, on or with disposable food packaging that contains Styrofoam.
Menlo Park
Adopted August 2012 and effective November 2012, Menlo Park’s polystyrene ordinance prohibits the use of polystyrene food ware products from being distributed by food vendors by adopting San Mateo County’s food ware ordinance.
Millbrae
AdoptedOctober 2007, Millbrae’s polystyrene ordinance prohibits food vendors and government facilities from providing prepared food to customers in either Styrofoam or solid polystyrene food ware. In addition to bowls, cups, and plates, the ordinance also applies to utensils and lids.
Milpitas
Despite the dozens of Bay Area cities that have already adopted ordinances and extensive time and effort by city staff to research this issue, the Milpitas City Council opted to not move forward with a polystyrene ban at its April 17, 2012 meeting. The city also declined to support a statewide ban on polystyrene foam food ware.
Oakland
The City of Oakland adopted their ordinance in June 2006. The ordinance prohibits food vendors and city facilities from providing prepared food in Styrofoam to customers and instead requires the use of biodegradable or compostable disposable food service ware.
Pacifica
Pacifica’s ordinance, which went into effect on January 1, 2010, bans the use of Styrofoam food ware for prepared food at restaurants and food vendors.
Palo Alto
Palo Alto’s polystyrene ordinance, which went into effect in April 2010, bans both Styrofoam and non-recyclable food containers from retail food vendors and city facilities and vendors.
Pittsburg
Enacted in 1991, Pittsburg’s ordinance bans retail food establishments from using polystyrene CFC-processed food packaging. It also requires, as of 1995, that at least 50% of food packaging is recyclable or returnable.
Portola Valley
The city adopted San MateoCounty’s ordinance in April 2012, with an effective date of January 2013.
Redwood City
The Redwood City Council adopted the county’s ordinance in May 2012, which went into effect for food vendors in the city in January 2013.
Richmond
Richmond’s ban, effective April 2009, bans all disposable food ware except biodegradable or compostable products and aluminum. The city expressed a strong preference for reusable food ware, especially at city facilities and with city events and vendors.
San Bruno
As of April 2010, San Bruno food vendors are prohibited from serving food in any polystyrene food ware, including Styrofoam. The ordinance also applies to lids, straws and utensils.
San Carlos
On March 12, 2012, the San Carlos City Council adopted San Mateo County’s ordinance. Since July 1, 2012, San Carlos food vendors are prohibited from using polystyrene foam food ware.
San Francisco
Adopted November 2006, San Francisco’s ordinance prohibits the use of Styrofoam food service ware and requires the use of biodegradable, compostable or recyclable alternatives by restaurants, retail food vendors, City departments, and City contractors and lessees. The San FranciscoInternationalAirport also complies with San Francisco’s ordinance.
San Jose
The city adopted a ban on Styrofoam food ware at specified public events in November 2009. On January 26, 2013 the City expanded the ordinance to cover all restaurants and some food vendors. The ban will go into effect for national chain restaurants on January 1, 2014, while all other restaurants have until January 1, 2015 to begin compliance.
San Mateo (City of)
The San Mateo City Council is considering adoption of the county's ordinance (which passed in 2011). The ordinance, along with plastic bags, is slated to be voted on by the City Council in March 2013.
San Mateo County
Passed in February 2011 and effective July 1, 2011, the county’s ordinance bans both Styrofoam and “non-recyclable plastic” food service ware at food vendors and government facilities within the county unincorporated areas. The county has also been encouraging all cities within San MateoCounty to adopt the county ordinance; if they do so, the county will conduct outreach and enforcement for those cities.
San Rafael
Little progress has been made towards passing a polystyrene ban in San Rafael. The city believes that the biodegradable alternatives available are not much better for the environment because of the amount of energy required to produce them, the length of time and process of biodegradability, and the high production costs. Though stalling, the city is considering directing staff to conduct an appropriate environmental review and prepare an EPS ordinance modeled after the County’s.
Sonoma County
The county’s ordinance, adopted June 1989, prohibits the use of Styrofoam food service ware on county premises.
South San Francisco
South San Francisco’s Green Food Packaging Ordinance went into effect in October 2008 and prohibits food vendors and city facilities and events from using Styrofoam food ware.
Sunnyvale
In December 2012, the Sunnyvale City Council gave staff direction to bring back an ordinance banning the use of Styrofoam foodware at restaurants in the city. The ordinance will also include a ban on the sale of Styrofoam foodware at retailers in the city two years after the ban goes into effect for food vendors.