Plastic Bag Ban

List of Reusable Bag Vendors

As of January 1, 2015, retail and restaurant establishments are prohibited from distributing single-use plastic bags to customers. The goal of the City’s Plastic Bag Ban Ordinance is to foster sustainable consumer practices by replacing single-use carryout bags with reusable bags. A $0.10 per bag charge will be placed on carryout bags distributed at retail and restaurant establishments. The ban will help the community meet City litter reduction requirements, and will help to improve the health of the local and greater environment. Martinez joins more than 90 California cities and counties that have adopted similar single-use plastic bag bans.

Resources: Bag Ban Basics

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 Polystyrene Takeout Ban

List of Takeout Container Alternatives

In 1995, the City of Martinez adopted a ban on polystyrene takeout packaging. Full compliance is expected as of January 15, 2015. Aside from being a source of litter, polystyrene has known negative health impacts associated with the styrene component. According to the US Dept. of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration, acute health effects from styrene include irritation of skin, eyes, upper respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal system. Chronic exposure can impact the central nervous system, causing symptoms such as depression, headache, fatigue, and weakness, in addition to effects on kidney function and blood. Furthermore, styrene has been classified as a possible human carcinogen by the EPA & International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Resources: OSHA Styrene Hazard Recognition

AB 1276: Single-Use Foodware Accessories and Standard Condiments

Guide - How to Find Compostable Single Use Items for Restaurants 

As of October 14, 2022, the City of Martinez requires retail food operations to only offer disposable foodware accessories upon customer request. This expands the scope of the single-use plastic straws law to include single-use foodware accessories such as utensils and condiments. 

Free signage and plastic signage holders is available for Martinez restaurants.  Please send an email request to sustainability@cityofmartinez.org.

AB 1276 Restaurant Signage

To learn more, check out our fact sheets below:

fact sheet (English)

hoja informativa (Español)