City of Santa Cruz Environmentally Acceptable Packaging and Products

Ban on sale of all foam polystyrene products. Prior to 2012, the City banned the distribution of expanded polystyrene food containers, with a requirement that the food packaging be recyclable or compostable.

Details of regulation: Food providers within the City of Santa Cruz may not provide food in any disposable food service ware that contains polystyrene/plastic foam. Disposable food service ware that contains polystyrene/plastic foam is prohibited from use in all City of Santa Cruz facilities. City of Santa Cruz contractors in the performance of City contracts and events promoters may not provide food in disposable food service ware that contains polystyrene/plastic foam. Exemptions include undue hardship, foods prepared or packaged outside the City limits, meat trays, products made from polystyrene/plastic foam which is wholly encapsulated or encased by a more durable material, specific construction products, and emergency situations.

Ordinances:

  1. Chapter 6.48 (Adopted July 23, 2012) – An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Santa Cruz amending Chapter 6.48 Sections: 6.48.010; 6.48.015, 6.48.020, adding 6.48.027, and amending 6.48.030, 6.48.040 of the Municipal Code pertaining to the Environmentally Acceptable Packaging and Products.

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