Plastic Straws-on-Request Ordinance

PLASTIC STRAWS-ON-REQUEST ORDINANCE


Since April 22, 2019, food or beverage facilities in Los Angeles that have more than 26 employees are subject to compliance with City of Los Angeles Ordinance No. 186028, Disposable Plastic Drinking Straws, more commonly known as Plastic Straws-on-Request ordinance. Under this ordinance, food or beverage facilities may provide a disposable plastic* straw to a dine-in or take-out customer ONLY if the customer requests one. Food or beverage facilities may not automatically provide a disposable plastic straw to drive-through or delivery customers, but may ask those customers if they want one.

As of October 1, 2019, all other food or beverage facilities must be in compliance with the requirements of the ordinance. Licensed Health Facilities, as defined in Section 1250 of the California Health and Safety Code, are exempt from the requirements of this ordinance.


ALTERNATIVES TO PLASTIC STRAWS


Many alternatives are available for plastic straws - stainless steel, silicone, paper, sugar cane, and other viable materials. “Sippy cup” lids are also gaining popularity. Consumers are asked to consider purchasing their own reusable straws to decrease overall consumption of single-use items. LA Sanitation & Environment (LASAN) does NOT recommend “bio-plastic” or “compostable plastic” (often labeled “PLA”) products because these cannot be composted locally and are contaminants in Los Angeles' curbside recycling program and in the commercial franchise recycLA program.


ENFORCEMENT


Enforcement of the ordinance began on October 1, 2019. LASAN will provide written notice of violations to operators of the food or beverage facility. Starting from the third violation, food or beverage facilities will be charged an administrative fine of $25 for each day the facility is in violation. The fine shall not exceed $300 per calendar year.

If you encounter a food or beverage facility that is violating the Straws-on-Request Ordinance, please notify LASAN by contacting our Citywide Recycling team at 213-485-2260 or SRCRD@lacity.org.


MORE INFORMATION


The full ordinance text can be found here: Ordinance 186028

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (Coming Soon!)

LASAN staff is also available to answer any questions and give presentations. Contact our Solid Resources Citywide Recycling Division (SRCRD) directly by calling 213-485-2260 or emailing SRCRD@lacity.org.

* Plastic straws include those made from or labeled “bioplastic/compostable/poly-lactic (PLA)”.