Lancaster vs Long Beach
How do polystyrene foam rules rules compare between Lancaster, CA and Long Beach, CA?
Lancaster and Long Beach have similar restriction levels.
Lancaster, CA
Los Angeles County
LA County Code Title 12.84 bars food vendors and county facilities in unincorporated areas from using expanded polystyrene foam containers, cups, plates, and trays. California AB-1276 (Public Resources Code section 42273) extends parallel statewide standards to all cities since 2024.
View full Lancaster rules →Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Long Beach prohibits food vendors from using expanded polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) cups, plates, clamshells, and trays for prepared food. City facilities and city-permitted events must also use non-foam alternatives.
View full Long Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lancaster | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| County ordinance | LACO Title 12.84, since 2008 | - |
| Coverage | Unincorporated food retailers | - |
| Statewide backdrop | AB-1276, PRC section 42273 | - |
| Enforcement | LA County Public Works | - |
| State law | - | CA SB 54 |
| Banned material | - | Expanded polystyrene |
| Alternative materials | - | Paper, fiber, PLA |
| City events | - | Foam-free |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lancaster FAQ
Can I still buy a foam cooler at the grocery store in LA County?
Sales of new EPS coolers are restricted under LACO Title 12.84 in unincorporated areas and increasingly under SB-54 statewide. Stores generally offer recycled-content or molded-fiber alternatives instead now.
Are foam meat trays from packaged food covered?
Pre-packaged food shipped from outside the county is generally exempt, but foam trays packaged in-store under LACO Title 12.84 must be replaced with compostable or recyclable materials by retailers.
Long Beach FAQ
Can I bring my own foam cooler to a park?
Personal use of polystyrene coolers is generally not banned, but city-permitted events require non-foam alternatives, and beach areas have additional litter rules under the coastal program.
Are foam meat trays at the grocery store allowed?
Pre-packaged foam meat and seafood trays are regulated under SB 54 producer responsibility and are being phased out, but enforcement timelines depend on statewide recycling rate triggers.
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