Plastic Perils

Plastics have infiltrated our daily lives. They end up in our oceans and on our beaches, and break down into microplastics that get everywhere. Chemical additives in plastics can leach into what we eat and drink when our food and beverages are packaged in plastic (e.g., bisphenol A and phthalates – which make plastics rigid or flexible).

Given that 44% of plastic litter in the ocean consists of takeout food and drink containers, restaurants are uniquely positioned to play a significant part in the solution. Many in Del Mar have already reduced their use of plastics and with new regulations that went into effect early this year, will continue to do so.

At the same time, restaurants are facing rising costs in food, labor, energy, and supply chain while often operating on tight profit margins. Here is what you need to know about the new regulations and how we can help support our restaurants and stores in making this transition:

Authored by State Senator Catherine Blakespear, SB1053 bans plastic carryout bags at checkout  and applies to most grocery stores, convenience stores, food marts, and liquor stores throughout California.

A new Del Mar ordinance prohibits single-use, non-compostable food service ware citywide and single-use plastic beverage bottles at City facilities and City-sponsored events. The prohibition includes the sale of expanded polystyrene, or Styrofoam, coolers and ice chests. Effective February 6, 2026, enforcement is expected to begin in August.

The ordinance applies to all disposable, single-use food service ware that cannot be recycled and adds to existing bans: single-use plastic carryout bags (2016), Styrofoam and nonrecyclable plastic food service ware (2018), plastic straws and stirrers (2019), and balloons filled with gas lighter than air (2023).

You can help our restaurants and stores conform to these new rules:

1. 1. Choose reusable over single-use items whenever possible
   2. Bring a bag
   3. Bring a bottle
   4. Skip the straw
   5. Forgo any Styrofoam containers
   6. Choose disposables as a last resort (non-waxed and non-Styrofoam paper plates, cups, napkins, straws, bags, takeout containers, and 100% wood and bamboo utensils – although, no bamboo plates or bowls)