Policy & Legislation

Local ordinances requiring reusables for on-site dining can significantly reduce single-use foodservice packaging. Three cities in Alameda County — Oakland, Berkeley, and Albany — have already adopted reusable foodware ordinances. Jurisdictions looking to pass their own can use comprehensive, vetted model policy language developed by StopWaste and customize it to fit their community’s needs.

Passed in 2019, this California law allows customers to bring clean reusable containers to a food business (e.g. restaurant) for take-out or leftovers when the business follows food-safety procedures. The law does not require businesses to accept BYO containers—it simply allows them to do so safely.

Since January 2022, California requires all food businesses to provide utensils, straws, stirrers, and condiment packets only upon customer request. This applies regardless of material—including compostable and biodegradable items.

With a program launch targeted for January 2027, this California law requires producers to reduce single-use plastic packaging, including foodware, by 25 percent by 2032, among other responsibilities. At least 4 percent of the plastic reduction must come from transitioning to refillable or reusable packaging and foodware.