City Regulatory Requirements for Solid Waste
POLYSTYRENE BAN
What is prohibited?
Ordinance 1680-NS was adopted on October 13, 2020, and went into effect on January 1, 2022. It prohibits the sale and distribution of polystyrene within the City. Polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam™, includes rigid polystyrene used for disposable food utensils and takeout containers, as well as expanded polystyrene found in foam cups, plates, ice chests, and packaging peanuts. These items are often labeled with the recycling code (chasing arrows) PS or #6. Unfortunately, polystyrene is difficult to recycle, contributing to long-term environmental harm. To learn more about the City’s polystyrene ban, click here.
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What is AB 1276?
Beginning in 2022, food facilities and food delivery services are prohibited from providing single-use foodware accessories (utensils, straws, stirrers, etc.) or standard condiment upon request by the customer with some exceptions. In addition, single-use foodware or standard condiments must not be bundled or packaged in a way that prevents customers from only taking the desired item. Self-serve stations are allowed if items are not bundled or wrapped. These items are often discarded without being used, are not recyclable, and end up as litter.
This law does not apply to health care facilities, residential care facilities, public and private school cafeterias. To learn more about AB 1276, click here.
Self-haul Information
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