News Summary
Coronado will enforce new regulations starting September 16, banning single-use plastics and polystyrene to combat plastic pollution. Businesses and City facilities must comply with these guidelines, which include restrictions on carryout bags and foodware. Effective enforcement is planned alongside community advocacy efforts, promoting sustainable practices to protect the environment.
Coronado is set to officially enforce new regulations banning single-use plastics and polystyrene starting September 16, 2025. These measures, aimed at reducing plastic pollution within the city, will require compliance from businesses, food service providers, and City facilities in accordance with the new City code and existing state laws on plastic and polystyrene waste.
The regulations, which have been in effect since March 2025, will see a 180-day transitional grace period concluding, making it mandatory for affected entities to adhere to the guidelines. The updated regulations were first approved by the previous City Council in 2024, with further adjustments made by the current Council in early 2025.
Key Regulations on Single-Use Plastics
The regulations introduce several significant restrictions:
- A ban on single-use carryout bags at retail and food establishments, City facilities, and City-affiliated events.
- Retailers may provide recyclable paper bags for takeout but must charge a minimum of $0.10 for customers requesting a bag.
- The prohibition of polystyrene foam foodware and accessories, as well as ice chests and beverage coolers made from polystyrene.
- A ban on single-use plastic foodware and accessories, including straws, utensils, and stirrers at the same establishments.
- Food service providers will be required to permit customers to bring their own reusable containers.
- A complete ban on the sale and intentional release of helium-filled balloons.
Restrictions for City Facilities and Events
Additional restrictions specifically targeting City facilities and events include:
- A prohibition on the sale of single-use plastic beverage bottles that are one liter or less.
- City funds cannot be allocated for non-compliant plastic or polystyrene items.
Alignment with State Laws
The new regulations align with existing state legislation, such as Assembly Bill 1276, which limits the distribution of single-use items to situations where customers explicitly request them. Items classified as recyclable must be suitable for blue recycling bins, while compostable items are required to decompose into usable compost within a reasonable period.
Recycling Guidelines
Coronado’s waste management service, EDCO, accepts a variety of materials in blue recycling bins, including glass containers, cans, paper products, and plastics labeled #1 to #7. Residents are encouraged to use green compost bins for food-soiled cardboard, food scraps, and non-plastic paper products.
To minimize plastic pollution, residents are urged to utilize their own reusable bags and containers whenever possible. This effort not only helps the environment but also serves to comply with the new city regulations.
Enforcement and Community Support
The enforcement of these regulations may include inspections of food service establishments to ensure compliance with the new codes. These regulation changes follow substantial advocacy from local environmental groups, including Emerald Keepers and Oceana, who have championed efforts to safeguard the local environment.
Residents can visit the dedicated City website for further details on the regulations and guidelines for recycling. As Coronado moves forward in this initiative, local officials aim to create a cleaner, more sustainable community for all residents and visitors.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Coronado City Council Reviews Ethics for Elected Officials
California Governor Delays Major Plastic Waste Law
New Study Unveils Spike in Global Plastic Waste
Governor Newsom Revisits Single-Use Plastic Regulations
Coronado Beach Cleanup Unites Community for a Greener Future
Additional Resources
- Coronado’s New Polystyrene and Single-Use Plastics Regulations
- Wikipedia: Plastic Pollution
- Coronado Passes Single-Use Plastic & Polystyrene Restrictions
- Google Search: Single-Use Plastics Regulations California
- Coronado Officially Banned Single-Use Plastics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Plastic
- Coronado Staff Look Into Ways to Reduce Single-Use Plastics
- Google News: Coronado Plastic Regulations
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
