The Coast News Group
Oceanside's ordinance prohibiting the distribution of single-use plastics took effect Jan. 1. Photo by Luis Vergara
Oceanside's ordinance prohibiting the distribution of single-use plastics took effect Jan. 1. Photo by Luis Vergara
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Oceanside’s single-use plastic, polystyrene ban in full effect

OCEANSIDE — The city’s ban on single-use plastics and polystyrene foam products is now in full effect nearly 18 months after the council adopted an ordinance aimed at reducing environmental waste.

First approved by the City Council in August 2023, the city’s Marine Debris Reduction Ordinance prohibits businesses from distributing polystyrene foam products and single-use plastic bags at all retail establishments. The law also imposes a 10-cent charge for reusable or recyclable bags.

The rollout was phased to ease the transition for businesses, with the polystyrene ban taking effect on July 1, 2024, and the single-use plastic bag ban beginning Jan. 1, 2025.

The ban covers a range of items, including polystyrene egg cartons, restaurant takeout containers, food trays, packing peanuts and certain non-encapsulated polystyrene foam products like pool toys and dock floats. Exceptions include surfboards, pool noodles, aquatic fitness equipment, and produce bags.

The city also exempts prepared food packaged outside Oceanside and packaging for medical and biological materials.

To support compliance, the city allocated $10,000 to the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce and $10,500 to MainStreet Oceanside for education and outreach. Together, the groups conducted door-to-door visits to 161 businesses, hosted workshops, and distributed educational materials through social media.

City staff said most businesses knew of the ordinance, but some have yet to comply fully. Janis Jones, a local property owner and member of the Surfrider Foundation San Diego Chapter’s Rise Above Plastics committee, shared her concerns at the Jan. 8 City Council meeting.

“Many businesses still need to be made aware,” Jones said, recounting a recent visit to a restaurant still using Styrofoam and single-use plastic bags for takeout.

City staff reported that the ordinance follows an education-first approach, providing technical assistance to businesses and addressing non-compliance based on complaints. Of the approximately 10 complaints received, all have been resolved, with only one resulting in a written warning.

“We really tried to set up this ramp so that it was business friendly, at this point we’re starting to expect some level of awareness,” said Councilmember Eric Joyce.

The single-use plastic bag ban will sunset in 2026 when Senate Bill 1053 takes effect, making California the first state to ban all plastic bags.

Authored by state Sen. Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas), the law will restrict grocery and convenience stores from providing plastic bags, offering only paper or reusable alternatives for a minimum 10-cent charge.

Councilmember Rick Robinson suggested leveraging the city’s new short-term rental code enforcement officer to monitor restaurant compliance. Joyce proposed random checks to ensure adherence.

“I would love some of that data just to take the stick out or anything, but just to figure out what we need to do to make sure we’re protecting our ocean – because that’s the whole thing,” Joyce said.

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