LA County’s Bold Ban: Phasing Out Single-Use Plastics in Restaurants
LA County implements a groundbreaking ordinance, leading California in banning single-use plastics and Styrofoam at restaurants, food trucks, and events.
LA County’s Trailblazing Ban on Single-Use Plastics in Restaurants
On May 1, 2023, Los Angeles County launched one of the nation’s most ambitious efforts to tackle plastic pollution by banning single-use plastics and expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) at restaurants and food vendors in its unincorporated areas. Championed as ‘The Big One’ among sustainability advocates, this comprehensive policy is set to drive significant change in how food is served and consumed, aiming to reduce waste, protect local waterways, and support a shift to reusables.
What the Plastic Ban Covers
- Bans all single-use plastic foodware not deemed compostable or recyclable (utensils, plates, cups, straws, stirrers).
- Bans expanded polystyrene (EPS) products — commonly known as Styrofoam — including containers, coolers, pool toys, packaging materials, and more.
- Mandates reusables for dine-in service at all full-service restaurants.
- Phases in requirements for various food provider types, with specific timelines for compliance.
The ordinance applies to eateries in unincorporated regions of the county — areas outside the 88 incorporated cities (including City of Los Angeles), many of which are exploring or enacting similar bans.
Why LA County Took Action Against Single-Use Plastics
Efforts to reduce plastic pollution in LA County have been mounting for years. Environmental organizations, county agencies, and local residents have reported the persistent problems caused by single-use plastic foodware and EPS foam, both of which are notorious for:
- Polluting rivers, beaches, and marine environments due to their lightweight and windblown nature.
- Threatening wildlife through ingestion or entanglement.
- Failing to biodegrade, instead breaking down into microplastics that contaminate ecosystems and food chains.
- Adding burden to landfills and contributing to fossil fuel dependence, as most plastics are petroleum-based.
The Board of Supervisors approved the landmark measure in April 2022, positioning LA County as the largest U.S. jurisdiction to attack plastic waste at this scale.
Key Goals of the Ordinance
- “Reduce plastic blight” in public spaces and natural habitats.
- Unburden landfills and recycling systems.
- Accelerate the transition to a circular, “zero waste” county economy.
- Lower reliance on single-use plastics derived from harmful fossil fuels.
Who and What Is Impacted?
The ordinance affects an estimated 1 million residents and 19,000 businesses across LA County’s unincorporated communities. Covered operations include:
- Full-service restaurants
- Fast food and takeout counters
- Food trucks
- Temporary food vendors (e.g., farmers markets, event caterers)
- Supermarkets and stores selling food containers
Street vendors are currently exempt, recognizing their distinct financial and operational limitations.
Phase-In Timeline for Compliance
| Type of Business | Compliance Deadline |
|---|---|
| Permanent restaurants | May 1, 2023 |
| Food trucks | November 1, 2023 |
| Temporary food providers (markets, events) | May 1, 2024 |
Businesses citing financial hardship can apply for exemptions or extensions. County officials emphasized support and education, prioritizing a smooth transition over punitive measures during the initial rollout.
What others are reading
Requirements for Foodware: Detailed Breakdown
The new rules change not just what foodware can be provided, but how it’s chosen and used:
- All food containers, bowls, plates, cups, cutlery, and straws distributed must be reusable (for dine-in), recyclable, or certified compostable.
- Compostable products must break down quickly and safely in existing compost systems; items that appear “compostable” but do not meet these standards are not permitted.
- No retail or rental sales of EPS foam products (coolers, packaging peanuts, pool toys, etc.).
- Pre-packaged food items (e.g., instant ramen cups) and certain cooled products may have additional regulations or future inclusion.
This multifaceted approach aims to prevent non-compliant containers from merely being replaced with equally problematic alternatives.
Why Target Expanded Polystyrene (Styrofoam)?
Styrofoam containers and packaging have been especially problematic:
- They rarely get recycled due to contamination and lack of market demand.
- They break apart easily, adding to ocean and inland microplastic pollution.
- Their lightweight form makes them among the most common litter items at LA’s beaches and waterways.
- Styrofoam is made from fossil fuels and may leach harmful chemicals.
Banning EPS is seen as a major victory for the Surfrider Foundation and other local advocates who have documented decades of foam pollution across Southern California.
Support for Restaurants and Small Businesses
Recognizing the challenges of pandemic recovery and rising costs, LA County structured supportive policies alongside its ban:
- Restaurants and mobile vendors facing demonstrable financial hardship can apply for temporary exemptions or waivers from specific requirements.
- Street vendors are fully exempt for the foreseeable future.
- County resources include technical guidance, supplier lists, and FAQ materials for small businesses.
- Community-driven feedback and phased enforcement designed to ease the learning curve.
Focus remains on education, transition, and compliance — with fines as a last resort.
Enforcement and Penalties
- Initial enforcement is complaint-driven: consumers may report non-compliance by contacting LA County Public Works ((888) 253-2652 or online).
- Violations may incur fines of up to $100 per day, capped at $1,000 per year per business — but only if education and support fail to resolve issues.
Environmental Impact: Projected Results
This ordinance is projected to:
- Keep hundreds of tons of plastic waste out of landfills and the environment each year.
- Reduce microplastics and hazardous debris littering waterways, which threaten marine life and public health.
- Demonstrate scalable local action to address global sustainability and climate challenges.
Research and local cleanups show single-use foodware and foam are consistently top contaminants in LA’s urban and natural environments.
How LA County’s Ban Compares to Other Regions
| Jurisdiction | Ban Scope | Status |
|---|---|---|
| LA County (unincorporated areas) | All single-use plastics & EPS foam in food service | In effect May 2023 (phased rollout) |
| City of Los Angeles | EPS foam & select single-use plastics | Similar ban, adopted May 2023 |
| San Francisco | All EPS foam & more plastic bans | Enforced since 2007 |
| Seattle, WA | Plastic straws, utensils, containers | Ban phased in since 2018 |
| Various US cities | Selective bans/fees on bags, containers | 2010s–present |
LA County’s scale — covering hundreds of square miles and nearly a million residents — sets a new benchmark for comprehensive local action, with its educational, phased approach drawing praise from environmentalists and policymakers alike.
What Businesses and Consumers Should Know
- Ask local restaurants if they are aware of the ordinance if you notice plastic or EPS containers still in use.
- Report suspected non-compliance to LA County Public Works at (888) 253-2652 or online.
- Participate in community zero waste efforts and support businesses transitioning to greener options.
- Consult official FAQs and resource guides offered by the county for up-to-date compliance, product lists, and support contacts.
- Understand that street vendors are exempt, but may participate on a voluntary basis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does the ordinance apply in the City of LA or only to unincorporated areas?
A: The ordinance covers unincorporated LA County only. However, many of LA’s 88 incorporated cities have passed or are considering their own bans, including the City of Los Angeles.
Q: What plastic products are banned?
A: All single-use plastic foodware (utensils, plates, straws, etc.) that are not recyclable or certified compostable, and all EPS foam (Styrofoam) containers and packaging, are banned at covered establishments.
Q: Are there exemptions for any businesses?
A: Yes. Street vendors are exempt. Restaurants and vendors experiencing documented financial hardship may apply for waivers or extensions. Pre-packaged products may have additional guidance.
Q: How are the rules enforced?
A: The County prioritizes education over punishment, with fines up to $100 per day as a last resort if businesses refuse to comply after being notified. Enforcement is complaint-driven.
Q: Where to find support and information?
A: LA County offers resources at SUPOrdinance@pw.lacounty.gov and their (888) CleanLA hotline. Additional information and complaint forms are accessible online from the County’s public works department.
Q: How does this help the environment?
A: The policy reduces the most common forms of plastic/waste pollution, protects wildlife, cuts landfill use, and helps shift local economies toward reuse and sustainable materials.
Progress Toward a ‘Zero Waste’ LA County
The plastic ban is a centerpiece in LA County’s broader ‘Zero Waste’ strategy, aiming for a future in which material recovery, recycling, composting, and reusables dominate, landfills shrink, and fossil-fuel dependence is phased out. As plastic pollution persists as a global crisis, LA County serves as a precedent for other cities and counties to follow.
Further Steps and the Road Ahead
- Ongoing review of product effectiveness and environmental impact as alternatives replace plastic.
- Plans to strengthen recycling/composting infrastructure to handle higher demand for compliant materials.
- Partnering with environmental groups and businesses to promote best practices for sustainable packaging and food service.
- Potential for future expansion to cover more product categories or commercial sectors as technology and public support evolve.
As communities across California and beyond watch LA County’s experience, the ban represents a major step toward greener cities, healthier environments, and a more responsible, circular approach to consumption.
References
- https://www.reusablela.org/thebigone
- https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/restaurants-in-unincorporated-la-county-are-now-banned-from-using-plastics-what-to-know-about-the-new-ordinance
- https://lacounty.gov/2023/05/01/los-angeles-county-kicks-off-ordinance-for-sustainable-food-ware/
- https://la.surfrider.org/campaigns/Ban+Single-Use+Plastic+and+EPS+Foam+Products+in+LA+County?hsLang=en
- https://cso.lacounty.gov/the-plan/cso-current-initiatives/single-use-plastic-food-service-ware-ordinance
- https://www.reusablela.org/hold-the-plastic-please-policies
- https://calrecycle.ca.gov/plastics/carryoutbags/
- https://greenprintproducts.com/plastic-bans-las-angeles-ca/
- https://www.gibsondunn.com/los-angeles-county-single-use-plastic-regulation-for-restaurants-and-delivery-services-went-into-effect-yesterday/
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