Reusable Oakland

Less Plastic and Saving Restaurants Money

Oakland has passed a Reusable Foodware Ordinance that will dramatically reduce plastic pollution and waste, help restaurants save money, and protect public health.

The policy will require:

Reusables when dining in — think plates, cups, utensils, and more
BYO (Bringing Your Own) reusable cups and containers to be accepted for takeout — with some exceptions like if the container is dirty, or not fit for use
Toxic-free takeout containers — and also bans expanded polystyrene (aka styrofoam). Includes a transition period for food service industry to adjust in a manageable way. This process will include community feedback before the ordinance goes into effect.
No compostable plastics — these don’t break down fast enough and contaminate commercial compost.
Single-use utensils, condiments, straws, etc to only be given out if a customer asks for them — for example, no longer automatically putting plastic forks in every takeout order
Large venues, events, and city facilities to serve drinks in reusable cups — venues with 2000+ visitors like sports arenas and concerts, and events with 500+ attendees like conferences

Businesses can request a waiver for economic hardship, and the City will provide exemptions when affordable reusables or toxic-free disposables are not available.

Learn More

VIDEO: The Story of Plastic

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VIDEO: Solving Plastic

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Email Your Oakland Councilmembers!

Message your local city representatives in support of the Reusable Foodware Ordinance.

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Why Reusables?

Our throwaway lifestyle is fueling two major crises: climate change and plastic pollution. And reusables are a key part of the solution.

Reduces litter, plastic pollution, and climate impacts

On average, a restaurant will eliminate around 60,000 disposable items and over 800 pounds of waste per year by switching to reusable foodware for onsite dining.

Saves businesses money

Single-use plates, bowls, utensils and more are repeated expenses that add up overtime. And compostables are especially pricey. Reusables reduce costs in the long run. Restaurants save an average of $4,000+ per year by switching to reusables.

Oakland isn’t the first city to pass a policy like this

22 cities in California and 27 in North America have enacted reusables for onsite dining policies since Berkeley passed the first one in 2019! Even entire countries are doing this, including Chile, France, Taiwan, England, and the Netherlands.