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POLYSTYRENE ORDINANCE FAQ



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What is the polystyrene ordinance?

The Ordinance adds Chapter 8.63 to the Municipal Code of Long Beach.

Polystyrene ordinance restrictions. The following items are prohibited under LBMC8.63. Foodware - prohibits the use of prepared food to be served in the following container materials: expanded polystyrene foam (styrofoam), rigid polystyrene (plastic #6). Retail - prohibits the sale and distribution of the following polystyrene items: foodware containers, packaging material (including by not limited to, foam or packing peanuts, popcorn or noodles, meat, fish or produce trays and egg cartons, ice chests, toy filler, bean bags, and craft beads. Straws - straws must not be plastic or bioplastic and must be given only upon request. A plastic straw may be given if needed to comply with ADA requirements.

State law AB 1276 - state law defines single-use foodware accessories as utensils, chopsticks, condiments, cups and packets, straws, stirrers, splash sticks, and cocktail sticks. All disposable foodware accessories must be given only upon request. Only provide single-use accessories required to eat the ready-to-eat food. Retail food facilities may not bundle single-use foodware items, third-party delivery platforms for takeout and deliver orders shall provide consumers the option to request single-use food items from their menu. Resources & more information. Work with your current vendor to find acceptable alternatives for expanded polystyrene foam packaging. LB reuses is a coalition of businesses & organizations within Long Beach that encourages residents to bring their own reusable items for to-go food and drinks. Become a participating business by accepting reusables and email LBReuses@gmail.com to receive a window sticker. For more information on local and state laws related to your business please visit our website at Longbeach.gov/FFLLB.
Download the Polystyrene Ordinance Flyer:

Polystyrene Ordinance Flyer (English)
Polystyrene Ordinance Flyer (Spanish)
Polystyrene Ordinance Flyer (Khmer)
Polystyrene Ordinance Flyer (Tagalog)

Report a Business Out of Compliance with the Polystyrene Ordinance

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Why did the City adopt this ordinance?

The City adopted this ordinance to address 3 major issues:

  • Litter – Polystyrene easily becomes litter because it is lightweight and breaks up into microplastics during travel, making it hard to recover and clean up. Polystyrene will also not degrade in our lifetime.
  • Health - The National Institute of Health (NIH) states that styrene is a “reasonably anticipated human carcinogen.”
  • Waste Prevention - Food-soiled expanded polystyrene is not recyclable and is designed to only be used one time. The City wants to prevent waste and decrease the amount of single-use disposable material.

When did the ordinance take effect?

May 4, 2018 Polystyrene Ordinance signed into law. 
December 3, 2019 Restricts the use of polystyrene and other non-recyclable or non-compostable foodware for prepared food at all food service businesses; prohibits the sale of polystyrene ice chests, bean bags and crafts; and requires that straws and utensils be provided only upon request for takeout items.
February 2020 The City Council votes to amend the ordinance to eliminate the cup‑lid exemption; require that straws and utensils be provided only upon request; require that straws not be made of plastic or bioplastic; and prohibit the retail sale of polystyrene. 
March 28, 2020 Straws and disposable utensils may be given only upon request at all food service businesses. Straws may not be made from plastic or bioplastic. To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, a plastic beverage straw may be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities. 
October 1, 2020 Retail sales of polystyrene products are prohibited within the city. This includes, but is not limited to, foodware items such as cups, cup lids, condiment cups, food trays, plates, bowls, clamshells and other products primarily for food service use; packing materials including foam peanuts, packing peanuts, foam popcorn or packing noodles; and meat and fish trays, produce trays and egg cartons. 
June 2024 The City begins enforcing the ordinance, conducting inspections, issuing notices of violation and working with businesses to ensure compliance with restrictions on polystyrene and other non-recyclable or non-compostable foodware. 

Where else are there similar bans?

As of 2024, there are over 135 California cities and counties with ordinances prohibiting the use of polystyrene, including the retail sale of polystyrene products. 

What are the restrictions on the use of straws?

  • Straws must only be given upon request at all food establishments.
  • Straws given upon request must NOT be made of plastic or bioplastic.
    • To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, a Plastic Beverage Straw may be given upon request to individuals with disabilities.

 
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