Single-Use Foodware Accessories & Standard Condiments Law (AB 1276)

As of January 1, 2022, California State Law AB 1276 requires all retail food establishments to provide single-use food ware items (accessories* and standard condiments**) by request only (for take-out and food delivery orders). Food ware items may include single-use utensils, chopsticks, straws, and condiment packages such as ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, as well as dressings and sauces, etc.

For establishments that are not in compliance with the law, fines may start January 1, 2024.

Reducing waste, litter, and these types of items that go unused will save the food establishments money and curb what ends up in the oceans, beaches, and landfills, etc. During the annual California Coastal Commission Clean-up Days, more than 30 percent of all waste collected is from disposable food ware and accessories.

See below the requirements of the law and how to comply, as well as resources available for your establishment.

 

Required by Law

  • Single-use food ware items (accessories and condiments) cannot be bundled together
  • Single-use food ware items (accessories and condiments) may only be provided on request (with the exception of airport and drive-through customers)
  • Food facilities using third-party delivery platforms may only provide single-use items (accessories and condiments) if requested by a customer during the online ordering process

 

To Comply

  • Educate your staff that these items must be requested by customers only
  • Post signage to let consumers know they may ask for these items they need
  • Eliminate bundled single-use food ware items, if currently offer them
  • Self-serve stations are allowed as long as these items are not bundled or wrapped
  • Update your online ordering menus to allow consumers to request each available single-use food ware item (accessories and condiments)

 

Resources

To help businesses comply with the law, resources are available to you, depending on the location of your business within West Contra Costa County.

 

For Republic Services Business Customers in West Contra Costa County:

  • Alternative Sustainable Packing Resources Flyer

         CLICK HERE FOR ENGLISH

         CLICK HERE FOR SPANISH

  • Refer to your city for specific ordinances

 

For City of El Cerrito Businesses:

 

Definitions of Single-use Food Ware Items

* Single-use foodware accessory includes: 

  • Utensils (fork, knives, spoon, sporks)
  • Chopsticks
  • Condiment cups and packets
  • Straws
  • Stirrers
  • Splash Sticks
  • Cocktail Sticks

** Single-use standard condiment includes:

  • Relishes
  • Spices
  • Sauces
  • Confections or seasoning
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Mayonaise
  • Soy sauce
  • Hot sauce
  • Salt & pepper
  • Sugar