Are There Plastic Straw Bans in Pasadena?

Plastic straws (Photo – Chemist 4 U)

Well, not really. It’s more like restaurants aren’t pushing straws and other single use plastic.

By Cheryl Auger

Pasadena signed an ordinance into law in 2021. Known as the “Disposable Accessory Foodware Item” ordinance, it focuses on minimizing single-use plastic products and waste.

The legislation focuses on take-out and eat-in single-use food ware. It requires customers to request single-use accessories rather than having employees needlessly toss items like plastic silverware into a single-use food bag.

Pasadena and other cities that have implemented similar legislation hope to reduce litter. It’s worth mentioning that this provision in Pasadena does not prohibit a restaurant or other Food Service Provider from asking a customer if they would like Disposable Accessory Foodware Items with their order or providing self-service dispensers. Also, in a trend that started during COVID, primarily driven by Habits of Waste, Pasadena requires third-party App-based Delivery Platforms to include an option during the ordering process to allow the delivery Customer to request Disposable Accessory Foodware Items as a part of their delivery or takeout order, not just receive it automatically.

Accessory Foodware Items include condiment cups and packets, straws, utensils (forks, spoons, sporks, knives, chopsticks), drink stirrers, beverage spill plugs, napkins, and other drink or food accoutrements. No one needs more plastic.