Santa Monica and Malibu PLA Straw Bans: What Is Allowed
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Yes, PLA straws are banned in both Santa Monica and Malibu. Santa Monica's disposable food service ware ordinance prohibits bioplastic (#7, PLA) foodware and limits straws to permitted materials such as paper and fiber, and Malibu prohibits plastic and bioplastic straws, stirrers, and cutlery. In both cities, a compliant straw or utensil may only be handed out when the customer asks for one.
If you run a cafe, boba shop, restaurant, or catering operation in either city, or you ship to customers there, here is what each rule says, what is allowed, and how to stock a straw that passes.
Does Santa Monica ban PLA straws?
Yes. The City of Santa Monica's Disposable Food Service Ware Ordinance page states that plastic (#1 to #6), bioplastic (#7/PLA), and aluminum disposable food service ware are prohibited. The permitted materials it lists are paper, fiber, wood, wheat straw or straw, bagasse, and edible material.
The expanded rules came from Ordinance 2586CCS, adopted in 2018, and the City announced that the requirements took effect January 1, 2019. The municipal code chapter requires disposable food service ware to be "marine degradable," and its definition excludes products made predominantly with plastics, "either petroleum or biologically based." That last phrase is why a PLA straw labeled "compostable" or "plant based" still fails in Santa Monica.
What else does Santa Monica require for straws?
- Upon request only. Compliant straws and utensils may only be provided when a customer asks.
- Disability access. The code lets providers keep plastic straws on hand for customers with disabilities who request them.
- Hardship exemptions are narrow. Businesses can apply for an economic hardship exemption when no reasonable alternative exists, but the City says exceptions requested for the sake of appearance will not be approved.
- Fines. After a possible warning, the City lists fines of $75 for a first violation, $93.75 for a second, and $112.50 for a third, with repeat violators referred to the City Attorney (source).
Does Malibu ban PLA straws and cutlery?
Yes. Malibu's Plastic Bans page says the City prohibits "the use, distribution, and sale of single-use plastic and bioplastic straws, stirrers, and cutlery items" in retail stores and restaurants, effective June 1, 2018, under Malibu Municipal Code 9.24.045.
The City's Plastic Free Guideline goes further and spells out the materials. It lists "Bioplastic (PLA, #7, Compostable)" among the banned straws, stirrers, and cutlery, and gives non plastic examples "such as those made from paper, sugar cane, or bamboo." It also states that non plastic alternative straws, stirrers, or cutlery "shall only be provided upon request by the customer."
Santa Monica vs Malibu: how do the rules compare?
| Question | Santa Monica | Malibu |
|---|---|---|
| PLA / bioplastic straws allowed? | No | No |
| PLA / bioplastic cutlery allowed? | No | No |
| Materials named as acceptable | Paper, fiber, wood, wheat straw, bagasse, edible | Examples given: paper, sugar cane, bamboo |
| Straws only on request? | Yes | Yes |
| In effect since | January 1, 2019 (expanded rules) | June 1, 2018 |
| Code reference | Santa Monica Municipal Code, disposable food service ware chapter (Ord. 2586CCS) | MMC 9.24.045 |
Why is "compostable" not enough?
Most PLA straws are sold as "compostable" or "plant based," and both claims can be technically true while the straw is still a plastic. Both cities wrote their rules around the material, not the marketing: Santa Monica excludes plastics "either petroleum or biologically based," and Malibu's guideline lists "Compostable" right next to PLA and #7 on its banned list. We cover the material side in more detail in Is PLA Plastic? What Resin Code 7 Means for Restaurants.
When a supplier calls a straw compostable, ask two questions: what is it made of, and is it home compostable or only commercially compostable? If the answer includes PLA, CPLA, or any resin code, it does not fit either city's rules.
What straws can a Santa Monica or Malibu business use?
Paper is the default most shops reach for, and it complies, but many operators hear complaints because it softens in long drinks and can leave a paper taste. Fiber based straws are the other main option on Santa Monica's permitted list, and bamboo is one of the materials Malibu names.
KGPeco straws are made from bamboo fiber. Our product pages describe them as plastic free and PFAS free, home compostable with BPI certification, and CMA certified. They are single use straws, so there is no washing or tracking returns: the guilt free single use option for operators who need a straw that holds up through a full drink. Each wrapped straw comes in a plain paper wrapper.
- Regular 6 mm straws, 9 inch, paper wrapped for iced coffee, iced tea, soda, and water.
- Wide 12 mm boba straws, 9 inch, paper wrapped, pointy end that pierce sealing film and pass tapioca pearls.
- All bamboo fiber straws, including smoothie, cocktail, and unwrapped sizes.
- Bamboo fiber forks and other cutlery for takeout and catering orders.
One practical note: each city decides compliance, and neither publishes a product approval list in its ordinance. If you are unsure about a specific item, check with the City of Santa Monica or the City of Malibu before you buy in volume.
Do statewide California rules also apply?
Yes. California's AB 1276 added Public Resources Code sections 42270 to 42273, which bar food facilities from providing single use foodware accessories, including straws and utensils, unless the customer asks. Santa Monica's page notes the state rule took effect in January 2022. City ordinances like Santa Monica's and Malibu's sit on top of the state rule and add the material restrictions.
How do I switch without running out?
- Count your current straw usage by size (regular, smoothie, boba) for a typical week.
- Test the replacement in your longest drink, such as a large boba or blended drink, for the full time a customer holds it.
- Train staff on the upon request rule so straws are not handed out by default.
- Order by the case once the size mix is set.
Businesses can request free samples of our bamboo fiber straws and cutlery to test in their own drinks before ordering. Samples are for businesses only.
FAQ
Are PLA straws legal in Santa Monica?
No. Santa Monica prohibits bioplastic (#7/PLA) disposable food service ware, and straws must be made of permitted materials such as paper or fiber.
Are compostable plastic straws allowed in Malibu?
No. Malibu's guideline lists "Bioplastic (PLA, #7, Compostable)" among banned straws, stirrers, and cutlery.
Can I give every customer a straw automatically?
No. Both cities require compliant straws to be provided only on request, and California's AB 1276 sets the same rule statewide.
Are KGPeco straws reusable?
No. KGPeco bamboo fiber straws are single use. They are home compostable with BPI certification, so they can go into a home compost pile after use.
How many cities ban PLA straws?
Bioplastic straw bans are set city by city, not statewide. Santa Monica and Malibu are two confirmed examples. Check your own city's ordinance before assuming a rule applies or does not apply.