Every year, US restaurants and food service businesses use nearly 1 trillion individual pieces of disposable foodware and packaging. These items are used for only a short time, and when made from plastic pose risks to human health and have a long-lasting impact on the environment.
“ONLY UPON REQUEST” IS THE LAW
As of January 2022, California Assembly Bill 1276 requires all retail food facilities* and food delivery platforms to provide single-use foodware accessories and condiments to consumers only upon request in an effort to reduce waste. Single-use foodware accessories include, but are not limited to, utensils (such as forks, knives, spoons, and sporks), chopsticks, condiment cups and packets, straws, stirrers, splash sticks, and cocktail sticks.
*Does not apply to correctional institutions; licensed health-care facilities; residential-care facilities; and public and private school cafeterias.
LOS ANGELES LOCAL ORDINANCES
LA Sanitation and Environment’s Comprehensive Plastics Reduction Program aims to cut down on non-recyclable and single-use plastics in Los Angeles, shifting focus from waste disposal to waste prevention.
Single-Use Carryout Bag Ban
Prohibits single-use carryout bags and imposes a $0.10 fee per recyclable paper bag at retail establishments, which include, but are not limited to, grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, drug stores, pharmacies, apparel stores, farmer’s market vendors, food or beverage facilities, hardware stores, open air markets vendors, etc.
Acceptable alternatives include reusable bags, either for sale or at no charge, or recyclable paper single-use carryout bags charged at $0.10 per bag. Customers may also use their own bags.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Ban
Prohibits all businesses, retail establishments, and food or beverage facilities from distributing, offering, providing, renting, or selling to any person any EPS product, commonly known as the trade name StyrofoamTM, any food or beverage in any EPS product, or any shipping or packing material that contains EPS.
Acceptable alternatives include cardboard, 100% fiber-based compostable foodware products, recyclable #1, #2, and #5 plastics, metal, glass, and reusable products.
Foodware Accessories and Plastic Straws-on-Request Ordinance
The City of Los Angeles also has a local ordinance that requires all food and beverage facilities to provide disposable foodware accessories, such as utensils, napkins, and condiment packets to a dine-in or take-out customer ONLY if the customer requests them.
Learn more about the ordinances at lacitysan.org/sourcereduction.
CONSIDER REUSABLES FIRST
Reusables are always recommended in lieu of single use plastic. Some options to reduce plastic waste are packing a pair of to-go utensils for on-the-go meals, bringing reusable containers with you or keeping extras in the car, and getting a drink from your favorite coffee shop in your personal reusable cup. Small changes can make a big impact!
Also consider using 100% plant-fiber based foodware* like wood, bamboo, or molded fiber, which are accepted in the organics container.
* Must be 100% fiber-based. NO materials with bio-plastic, wax, or petroleum-based plastic coating, liner, or laminate.