Compostable Straws and Utensils for Monterey and Pacific Grove

Monterey and Pacific Grove both ban plastic straws, including PLA and other bioplastic straws. Businesses need straws made from non plastic materials such as paper, sugar cane, pasta, or bamboo, given only when a customer asks. KGPeco bamboo fiber straws have no plastic or PLA, and they hold up in boba, iced coffee, and hot drinks where paper fails.

What each city requires

Monterey

  • The law: Monterey City Code Chapter 14, sections 14-15.1 and 14-16, in effect since April 22, 2019.
  • What is banned: plastic straws, with plastic defined to include bio based polymers such as PLA.
  • Allowed: paper, sugar cane, pasta, or bamboo straws, given on request only.
  • Source: Monterey City Code.

Pacific Grove

  • The law: Municipal Code section 11.98.035, enforced since April 22, 2020.
  • What is banned: all single use straws made of plastic, including PLA and bioplastic.
  • On request only: compliant straws are given only when a customer asks.
  • Source: Pacific Grove Municipal Code.

Neighboring cities, including Carmel and unincorporated Monterey County, have different rules, so check locally if you operate outside these two cities.

This page is a plain language summary, not legal advice, and local rules change. Check the linked sources or your local environmental office for the current requirements.

Why bamboo fiber instead of paper

With plastic and PLA ruled out, most cafes, boba shops, bars, and restaurants are choosing between paper and plant fiber. Paper costs less per straw, but it softens within minutes, can leave a papery taste, and fails in boba and thick drinks. Bamboo fiber stays firm for hours in cold and hot drinks and adds no taste. It is home compostable, BPI certified (listing #10529008), and CMA certified. See the full bamboo fiber vs paper vs PLA vs PHA comparison.

Products that comply

  • Wide boba straws: 12 mm, 9 inch and 4.25 inch, wrapped or unwrapped, pointy end to pierce sealing film.
  • Regular drinking straws: 6 mm, 8.27 inch and 9 inch, wrapped or unwrapped, flat or pointy end.
  • Smoothie and shake straws: 8 mm, 9 inch.
  • Cocktail straws: 6 mm, 5 inch, for bars and tasting rooms.
  • Cutlery: forks, knives, spoons, sporks, and soup spoons made from bamboo fiber and plant starch. The fork, spoon, and spork are CMA certified.

Shipped from our California warehouse

KGPeco imports directly and ships by the case or pallet from our own warehouse in Los Angeles County, with supply chain experience going back to 1979. We already supply restaurants, boba shops, and SFO airport concessions across Northern and Southern California. See every city with a similar rule on our list of cities that ban PLA straws.

Try them in your own drinks

We send free samples to Monterey Peninsula businesses so you can test them in real service before ordering a case. Request free samples or see wholesale ordering. Prefer to talk? Call 323-880-0899.