Ban on expanded polystyrene food service ware with a requirement that alternatives be recyclable or compostable. Plastic utensils & straws upon request. Operative for city facilities/ events August 1, 2018. Operative for food facilities
Details of regulation: Prepared food or beverages shall not be sold or distributed in any food service ware made of made of EPS foam, rigid polystyrene #6 and non-recyclable and non-compostable material in the City of Long Beach. The ban does not apply to food prepared or packaged outside of the City, provided such food is not altered or repackaged within the City. The ban does not apply to food brought by individuals for personal consumption to City facilities, such as City parks, nor does it apply to raw, uncooked meat, poultry, fish or eggs, unless provided for consumption without further food preparation, nor to fresh produce provided for consumption without food preparation or repackaging. The ordinance will ban retail sales of polystyrene ice chests, polystyrene bean bags and polystyrene craft materials eighteen months after ordinance adoption. Straws and Utensils for take-away foods shall only be
provided upon customer request, including at City facilities. An exemption may be granted for a maximum of one year upon a finding that compliance would create an undue hardship.
Municipal Code:
- No. ORD-18-0010 Ordinance amending the Long Beach Municipal Code by adding Chapter 8.63 regulating the use of single-use food and beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, rigid polystyrene #6 and non-recyclable and non-compostable material for prepared food distribution in the City of Long Beach.