Disposable Foodware Ordinance

On December 22, 2022, The City of Half Moon Bay updated it's Disposable Foodware Ordinance that repeals and replaces the existing Styrofoam ban (Chapter 7.30) with an ordinance that mirrors the County of San Mateo’s Disposable Food Service Ware Ordinance. 

This Ordinance aims to regulate and reduce the amount of disposable foodware that is used and distributed in Half Moon Bay and to encourage the use of reusable alternatives. 

The objectives of the Ordinance are to:

• Reduce waste by eliminating disposable foodware that is not reusable or compostable and through source reduction;
• Improve the health and safety of community members; and
• Help keep our waterways clean and safe.

Key elements of the Ordinance include requiring:

1. Most disposable foodware to be non-plastic and compostable;
2. Larger disposable foodware to have little/no harmful fluorinated chemicals; and
3. Regulated distribution of disposable foodware accessories.

Half Moon Bay's Ordinance differs from the County's model ordinance in the following ways:

1. Foodware Accessories may only be distributed at the request of the consumer;
2. Reusable Foodware shall be provided for On-Premises Dining**** (Starting June 1, 2023)
3. Reusable Foodware shall be provided whenever practicable; and
4. Enforcement began on July, 9 2021.

Free technical assistance is available for businesses that need assistance with compliance. Technical assistance is available by email foodware@smcgov.org or phone (888-442-2666).

Resources

Buying Guide and other resources for businesses

Half Moon Bay Municipal Code 7.30 Disposable Foodware