In December 2023, the Oakland City Council adopted a new Ordinance with the intent to:

  • Reduce plastic pollution in environment

  • Prioritize use of reusable foodware over single-use disposable foodware

  • Ensure single-use foodware is free of harmful chemicals

The new rules apply to food vendors, including restaurants, cafés, bars, delis, fast-food establishments, and food trucks.

New regulations impacting restaurants and cafés will begin in July 2025.

Ordinance Summary

FOODWARE ACCESSORIES UPON CUSTOMER REQUEST

Foodware accessories – including single-use straws, stirrers, napkins, lids, utensils, and condiment packets – must be provided upon customer request or at self-service stations only. No bundling of utensils, napkins, and/or condiments. Applies to dine-in, take-out, and food-delivery apps.

CUSTOMER REUSABLES FOR TO-GO ORDERS

Requires food vendors to use customer-provided containers for to-go orders so long as they are clean and can safely hold the order.

DINE-IN REUSABLES
(Starts 7/1/2025)

Requires reusable foodware for dine-in service ( cups, plates, and utensils).

ACCEPTABLE SINGLE-USE FOODWARE

Bans use of “compostable” plastics and polystyrene foam and sets standards for acceptable types of single-use foodware (free of harmful chemicals). – Purchasing guide.

REUSABLE CUPS AT LARGE EVENTS AND VENUES

Requires reusable cup system at large events and venues.

CITY FACILITIES
(Starts 7/1/2025)

Requires reusable cups at City facilities, prohibits purchase / distribution of packaged water, and encourages install of water refill stations.