Single-Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance

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The City of Coronado is committed to reducing the amount of plastic pollution that litters our streets, parks, and beaches. Polystyrene and single use plastic materials that are discarded in the City can accumulate indefinitely in our environments and pose risks to marine life. Recently, the Coronado City Council adopted an ordinance adding a new chapter to the Coronado Municipal Code (Chapter 36.28) that regulates use of polystyrene and single-use plastic items and promotes a shift toward the use of reusable and sustainable alternatives. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the new ordinance.

When do the new rules start?

Coronado’s new Polystyrene and Single Use Plastics ordinance is effective as of March 20, 2025, and following a transitional implementation phase of 180 days the ordinance will be enforceable. This means that businesses have 180 days to use up existing inventory and prepare for compliance with the ordinance.

What businesses do the rules apply to?

In addition to any business entities regulated by state law related to single-use plastics, Coronado’s Polystyrene and Single Use Plastics ordinance applies to food service providers (including dine-in, take out, and delivery) and all retail establishments. Additionally, City facilities are required to comply with the rules, including any events organized or sponsored by the City or held at City facilities.

What are the new rules?

Food service providers, retail establishments, and other regulated entities should already be familiar with State of California legislation, including the AB 1276, the “Skip the Stuff” law, which requires that single-use items should only be distributed if the customer request them, Coronado’s Polystyrene and Single Use Plastics ordinance expands on existing legislation to include:

  • No distribution of food ware or food ware accessories such as straws, utensils, stirrers, etc. that are made from polystyrene or single-use plastic.
  • If a customer requests food ware accessories utensils, straws, or stirrers, a food service provider may only distribute those that are reusable, recyclable, or compostable.
  • Any food ware distributed by a food service provider, such as plates, cups, and containers used for take-out, must be reusable, recyclable, or compostable.
  • Food service providers must allow customers to use their own reusable cups, mugs, and bottles.
  • Carryout bags may not be provided; however, as allowable by state law, recyclable paper bags, product or produce bags may be used for takeout or delivery orders for food items that are susceptible to spilling, such as soups.
  • As required by state law, customers shall be charged no less than $0.10 for bags provided at the point of sale. These rules apply to all forms of dining including on-premises, take-out, delivery, etc.
  • Reusable grocery bags may be sold, provided that they are not located or displayed at the point of sale.
  • No sale or distribution of food ware, food ware accessories, ice chests or food and beverage coolers made, in whole or in part, from polystyrene.
  • No sale or distribution of any type of balloon filled with a gas lighter than air.

What items are considered compostable?

Coronado’s ordinance defines compostable items as those that can be broken down into usable compost in a safe and timely manner and be accepted as organic waste by the City’s waste hauler. The City of Coronado contracts waste hauling services with EDCO. Information on what can be accepted into their organics waste recycling (green bin) program has been provided by EDCO, and the following materials are acceptable: unfinished 100% wood utensils, chopsticks, and stirrers; paper and cardboard food ware plates and containers (non-waxed); and, plain brown paper bags (non-waxed). Helpful information from EDCO for both residents and businesses can be found in the Helpful Documents on the right side of this page.

What are the rules for City facilities and City Affiliated events?

The same rules that apply to food service providers and retail establishments apply at City facilities as well, including our public buildings, parks, and beaches, events that are sponsored by the City or any of its departments, and any facilities leased from the City. Additionally, single use plastic bottles beverages of one (1) liter or less in size are prohibited from distribution at City facilities and City events. City funds may not be used to purchase any food ware, food ware accessories, or bottled beverages that do not comply with the Polystyrene and Single Use Plastics ordinance.

How can residents and visitors help?

Keeping Coronado’s environment free of plastic pollution is something that everyone can be a part of. Some ways that residents and visitors can participate include:

  • Carry your own reusable straws and utensils in your car, bag, or purse, for use on the go.
  • Pick a favorite, easily transportable, drinking vessel to keep with you, as the new rules require businesses to allow customers to use their own cups, mugs, and bottles.
  • Don’t forget your reusable bags! Keep them handy for use when shopping and eating out, and remember that a lined bag is great for picking up takeout and carrying out leftovers.
  • If you celebrate with balloons, please dispose of them responsibly. Coronado’s ordinance prohibits release of balloons into the air, and requires that they be disposed of in a trash receptacle.

The City of Coronado is committed to reducing the amount of plastic pollution that litters our streets, parks, and beaches. Polystyrene and single use plastic materials that are discarded in the City can accumulate indefinitely in our environments and pose risks to marine life. Recently, the Coronado City Council adopted an ordinance adding a new chapter to the Coronado Municipal Code (Chapter 36.28) that regulates use of polystyrene and single-use plastic items and promotes a shift toward the use of reusable and sustainable alternatives. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the new ordinance.

When do the new rules start?

Coronado’s new Polystyrene and Single Use Plastics ordinance is effective as of March 20, 2025, and following a transitional implementation phase of 180 days the ordinance will be enforceable. This means that businesses have 180 days to use up existing inventory and prepare for compliance with the ordinance.

What businesses do the rules apply to?

In addition to any business entities regulated by state law related to single-use plastics, Coronado’s Polystyrene and Single Use Plastics ordinance applies to food service providers (including dine-in, take out, and delivery) and all retail establishments. Additionally, City facilities are required to comply with the rules, including any events organized or sponsored by the City or held at City facilities.

What are the new rules?

Food service providers, retail establishments, and other regulated entities should already be familiar with State of California legislation, including the AB 1276, the “Skip the Stuff” law, which requires that single-use items should only be distributed if the customer request them, Coronado’s Polystyrene and Single Use Plastics ordinance expands on existing legislation to include:

  • No distribution of food ware or food ware accessories such as straws, utensils, stirrers, etc. that are made from polystyrene or single-use plastic.
  • If a customer requests food ware accessories utensils, straws, or stirrers, a food service provider may only distribute those that are reusable, recyclable, or compostable.
  • Any food ware distributed by a food service provider, such as plates, cups, and containers used for take-out, must be reusable, recyclable, or compostable.
  • Food service providers must allow customers to use their own reusable cups, mugs, and bottles.
  • Carryout bags may not be provided; however, as allowable by state law, recyclable paper bags, product or produce bags may be used for takeout or delivery orders for food items that are susceptible to spilling, such as soups.
  • As required by state law, customers shall be charged no less than $0.10 for bags provided at the point of sale. These rules apply to all forms of dining including on-premises, take-out, delivery, etc.
  • Reusable grocery bags may be sold, provided that they are not located or displayed at the point of sale.
  • No sale or distribution of food ware, food ware accessories, ice chests or food and beverage coolers made, in whole or in part, from polystyrene.
  • No sale or distribution of any type of balloon filled with a gas lighter than air.

What items are considered compostable?

Coronado’s ordinance defines compostable items as those that can be broken down into usable compost in a safe and timely manner and be accepted as organic waste by the City’s waste hauler. The City of Coronado contracts waste hauling services with EDCO. Information on what can be accepted into their organics waste recycling (green bin) program has been provided by EDCO, and the following materials are acceptable: unfinished 100% wood utensils, chopsticks, and stirrers; paper and cardboard food ware plates and containers (non-waxed); and, plain brown paper bags (non-waxed). Helpful information from EDCO for both residents and businesses can be found in the Helpful Documents on the right side of this page.

What are the rules for City facilities and City Affiliated events?

The same rules that apply to food service providers and retail establishments apply at City facilities as well, including our public buildings, parks, and beaches, events that are sponsored by the City or any of its departments, and any facilities leased from the City. Additionally, single use plastic bottles beverages of one (1) liter or less in size are prohibited from distribution at City facilities and City events. City funds may not be used to purchase any food ware, food ware accessories, or bottled beverages that do not comply with the Polystyrene and Single Use Plastics ordinance.

How can residents and visitors help?

Keeping Coronado’s environment free of plastic pollution is something that everyone can be a part of. Some ways that residents and visitors can participate include:

  • Carry your own reusable straws and utensils in your car, bag, or purse, for use on the go.
  • Pick a favorite, easily transportable, drinking vessel to keep with you, as the new rules require businesses to allow customers to use their own cups, mugs, and bottles.
  • Don’t forget your reusable bags! Keep them handy for use when shopping and eating out, and remember that a lined bag is great for picking up takeout and carrying out leftovers.
  • If you celebrate with balloons, please dispose of them responsibly. Coronado’s ordinance prohibits release of balloons into the air, and requires that they be disposed of in a trash receptacle.
Page published: 19 Mar 2025, 08:37 AM