Plastic Bag and Foam Bans

Plastic Foam and Plastic Bag Ban Flyer Opens in new windowFolleto sobre las probibiciones de bolsas de plástico de un solo uso y espuma de poliestireno Opens in new window
Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban

Plastic Foam Ban
Plastic Bag Ban Ordinance


Foam Ban Ordinance
Resources for Businesses

Background Information
The City of San Pablo approved a single-use plastic bag ordinance which became effective on January 1, 2014.

The ordinance prohibits the distribution of plastic bags in retail stores (i.e. supermarkets and clothing stores) and requires retailers to charge customers a minimum of 5 cents for a paper bag (increased to a minimum of 10 cents effective January 1, 2016).
Restaurants and take-out food establishments are exempt from the ordinance.

The purpose of the ordinance is to encourage residents to bring their own reusable bags. Produce bags and bags for raw meat will still be available in stores.
The City of San Pablo approved a plastic foam ordinance, which became effective April 1, 2015.

The ordinance prohibits restaurants and City facilities/events from providing plastic foam food-ware. In addition, the ordinance prohibits the sale of plastic foam products in retail stores.

Due to the harmful impacts of plastic foam to the environment and its high litter cleanup costs, the ordinance to prohibit the use of the plastic foam went before the City Council. The adopted ordinance encourages the use of reusable, compostable, and recyclable products.