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The County of San Mateo has added a translation feature developed by Google Translate to assist web visitors in understanding information on this website in a variety of foreign languages. Please be aware that Google Translate, a free third party service which the County does not control, provides automated computer translations that may not give you an exact translation. The County cannot guarantee the accuracy of translations through Google Translate so translations should not be considered exact and only used as a rough guide. Anyone relying on information obtained from Google Translate does so at his or her own risk. The County disclaims and will not accept any liability for damages or losses of any kind caused by the use of the Google Translate feature.

PUBLIC INFORMATION

The purpose of the County of San Mateo’s Disposable Food Service Ware Ordinance is to:

REDUCE SINGLE-USE PLASTICS AND OTHER FOODWARE WASTE

Improve health and safety of our community members

KEEP OUR WATERWAYS CLEAN AND SAFE

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO BE PART OF THIS IMPORTANT EFFORT!

public information

1. Understand what the new Ordinance requires with this Ordinance Summary (Spanish, Chinese translation). 

request only foodware you need

2. Request disposable accessories like straws, stirrers, napkins, and condiment packets only when absolutely needed.

take only foodware you need

3. Take only what you really need at self-serve stations and dispensers.

reusable foodware

4. Bring and use your own reusables (utensils, straws, to-go mugs, leftover containers, etc.) instead of single-use disposables.

recycle or compost

5. Properly sort and dispose of foodware (check your local recycling and composting hauler/facility’s guidelines).

hands high five

6. Make sure your favorite restaurants and other food facilities are in compliance with the Ordinance (let us know if they aren’t). 

send letter

7. Send a letter to food facility owners/managers encouraging them to be plastic-free. View a template letter here.

We are Foodware Aware - Foodware Program window cling

8. Borrow a reusable cup from a cafe that’s participating in a takeaway reusable cup network in San Mateo County! Learn more. 

Contact Us

Our Foodware Aware Program Team – the County’s Sustainability Department and Environmental Innovations, Inc. – are here to help you and other impacted food facilities successfully make the operational transition to meet the new requirements of the County’s Disposable Food Service Ware Ordinance.

Please email foodware@smcgov.org or call 888-442-2666 to get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you.