Expanded polystyrene ban. Chapter 5.30 of Municipal Code. In November 2015 the ordinance was expanded so that retailers can no longer sell or distribute polystyrene foam of any sort. Effective March 1, 2016.
Details of regulation: Food vendors are prohibited from providing prepared food in disposable food service containers made from expanded polystyrene or non-recyclable plastic. All City facilities, City managed concessions, City sponsored events, and City permitted events are prohibited from using disposable food service containers made from expanded polystyrene or non-recyclable plastic. Exemptions include foods prepared or packaged outside the City of Palo Alto, coolers and ice chests intended for reuse, undue hardship, and emergency situations.
Ordinances:
- No. 5039 – Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Repealing Chapter 5.30 (“Chlorofluorocarbon – Processed Food Packaging”) and Adding a New Chapter 5.30 (“Expanded Polystyrene and Non-Recyclable Food Service Containers”) to Title 5 (“Health and Sanitation”) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code.