California has been a leader in single-use rules. In 2014 it became the first state to pass a statewide ban on single-use plastic carryout bags at large stores, with a minimum charge for paper, reusable and compostable bags.
Did California ban straws?
Not completely. Assembly Bill 1884, which took effect January 1, 2019, says full-service restaurants may not provide single-use plastic straws unless a customer asks for one. It does not apply to fast food or takeout counters, and it does not ban straws made from other materials.
What AB 1884 means in practice
- Full-service restaurants should offer straws on request only.
- Plastic straws can still be given when a customer asks.
- Many restaurants have switched to non-plastic straws to simplify training.
Local rules can be stricter
Several California cities, and cities in other states, have their own ordinances that limit straws or require specific materials. Always check your city's rules as well as state law.
Other states
States including Oregon, Washington and New Jersey have their own straws-on-request laws, and more cities add rules each year.
See our state-by-state law map, compare straw materials, or browse our wholesale straws.
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