If you serve food in Solana Beach, four rules apply today (Solana Beach Municipal Code 5.03 and 5.05):
- Allow reusable cups. Customers may bring their own drink cup; you can refuse one that's the wrong size or unsanitary.
- Only on request. Straws, utensils, napkins and condiments go out only when a customer asks, at the counter and on takeout and delivery orders, including food-ordering apps.
- Fiber-based utensils. Straws, utensils, stirrers, cocktail sticks and toothpicks must be wood, bamboo or another fiber that goes in the green organics bin. No plastic, no PLA "bioplastic", nothing plastic-lined.
- Recyclable or compostable containers. To-go containers must be recyclable in EDCO's curbside program (plastics #1 to #7; the City says #5 is preferred) or fully compostable plant fiber. No polystyrene foam.
The 2026 update: the City says it is updating its single-use plastics ordinance this year and is asking food businesses to fill out a short anonymous survey on the foodware they use now: Plastic Free Solana Beach. Local news reported the City Council took up the update in early October. When the City posts the new requirements, this page changes.
What's in, what's out
| Allowed | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| Reusable glass, metal, bamboo or silicone | Plastic straws, utensils, stirrers, splash sticks, cocktail sticks, toothpicks |
| Recyclable containers (#1 to #7, #5 preferred) | Polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) food ware of any kind |
| Compostable bagasse, bamboo, wood, paper | PLA or "biodegradable" plastic; compostables lined or coated with plastic |
| Condiment dispensers and paper ramekins (the City's suggestion) | Foam egg cartons and meat or fish trays in stores |
| Recyclable or compostable shipping materials | Foam packing peanuts, foam shipping boxes |
From the City's ordinance guide. "Recyclable" means EDCO's curbside program takes it; "compostable" means entirely plant material.
Who has to comply
Restaurants and bars, grocery and liquor stores, retail stores, concession and event vendors, food trucks, farmers market stands and takeout stands, and City facilities.
At City events and facilities: no packaged water or other drinks in plastic bottles of one liter or less. Aluminum cans, glass and reusable, recyclable or compostable cups are fine.
Headed to the beach?
Since May 2020, foam coolers and ice chests, foam pool and beach toys, and foam floats can't be sold in Solana Beach or brought onto City beaches, including Fletcher Cove, unless they're fully encased in a harder material. A hard cooler, an insulated bag or a slick bodyboard is fine. The City keeps a beach toy borrow box at Fletcher Cove.
Beach day today · Solana Beach parking · is the ocean clean today?
A hand for food businesses
The easy miss is the apps: delivery and online-ordering menus often default to adding utensils and napkins. PJ, around the corner in Solana Beach, can switch your ordering apps to utensils-on-request and set up a counter sign, alongside your Google profile and POS. Text PJ.
Sources: City of Solana Beach, Plastic Free Solana Beach, single-use plastics ordinance guide and food service requirements sheet; SBMC 5.03 and 5.05; EDCO Solana Beach. Checked October 13, 2026.
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This page is built every morning from public data by SideGuy, run by PJ, a local in Solana Beach. If something looks off, or you want a hand with your plans, text PJ at 858-461-8054. A real person answers.
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Questions people ask
Does Solana Beach ban plastic straws and utensils?
Yes. Since November 1, 2020, stores, restaurants and food vendors can't sell or give out plastic straws, utensils, stirrers, splash sticks, cocktail sticks or toothpicks; wood, bamboo or other fiber items are allowed.
Do Solana Beach restaurants have to give utensils with takeout?
No, only if the customer asks. The only-upon-request rule covers onsite, takeout and delivery orders, including food-ordering apps.
Are compostable PLA cups allowed in Solana Beach?
No. The City's guide says PLA or bio-plastics are not allowed, and neither are compostable items lined or coated with plastic.
Can I bring a Styrofoam cooler to the beach in Solana Beach?
No. Since May 1, 2020, foam coolers, ice chests and foam beach toys can't be brought onto City beaches unless fully encased in a more durable material.
Is Solana Beach changing its plastics ordinance in 2026?
The City says it is updating its single-use plastics ordinance in 2026 and is surveying food businesses. Check the City's Plastic Free Solana Beach page for the new rules.
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