Foodware Accessories-On-Request Ordinance

FOODWARE ACCESSORIES-ON-REQUEST ORDINANCE


Since November 15, 2021, food and beverage facilities that utilize third party ordering platforms in Los Angeles and that have more than 26 employees are subject to be in compliance with City of Los Angeles Ordinance No. 187030, Disposable Foodware Accessories and Plastic Drinking Straws, more commonly known as Disposable Foodware Accessories on Request ordinance. As of April 22, 2022, all other food or beverage facilities in Los Angeles must be in compliance with the requirements of this ordinance.

Under this ordinance, food or beverage facilities may provide disposable foodware accessories and condiment packets to a dine-in or take-out customer ONLY if the customer requests them. Food or beverage facilities may not automatically provide disposable foodware accessories to drive-through or delivery customers, but may ask those customers if they want one.

Food and beverage facilities with an Online Ordering Platform or using a Third-party Food Delivery Service with an Online Ordering Platform, and a Third-party Food Delivery Service with an Online Ordering Platform must identify the available disposable foodware Accessories from the Food or Beverage Facility that customers may request in an Online Order, include an “opt-in” option for a customer placing an online order to request disposable foodware accessories with their order, and not provide disposable foodware accessories to any customer who does not “opt-in” to receive disposable foodware accessories with their order.

Licensed Health Facilities, and Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly as defined in Sections 1250 and 1569.2 of the California Health and Safety Code, are exempt from the requirements of this ordinance.


REASON FOR THE ORDINANCE


The City of Los Angeles has built upon its Straws-on-Request Ordinance, and has adopted the Foodware Accessories-on-Request Ordinance. This ordinance seeks to encourage everyone to reduce their use of single-use foodware accessories such as utensils, condiments, and napkins.


ALTERNATIVES TO DISPOSABLE FOODWARE ACCESSORIES


There are reusable alternatives to disposable foodware accessories. Customers can purchase reusable travel size utensil kits. Customers can apply condiments in the restaurant.

Restaurants may wish to invest in reusable dishware, cups, utensils, cloth napkins and other reusable foodware accessories for all dine-in customers, and the equipment needed to clean these items.


ENFORCEMENT


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

If you encounter a food or beverage facility or third-party food delivery service that is violating the Foodware Accessories on Request Ordinance, please notify LA Sanitation and Environment 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 187030

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