Los Angeles, CA Single-Use Items: Polystyrene Foam Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Products banned
- EPS cups, bowls, plates, clamshells, egg cartons, food trays, coolers, ice chests, shipping boxes, packing peanuts
- Large business compliance date
- April 23, 2023
- All businesses compliance date
- April 23, 2024
- Large threshold
- More than 26 employees (chain-wide for franchises)
- Facility exemptions
- Health facilities (H&S Code § 1250) and residential care facilities for the elderly
- Product exemptions
- Safety equipment, construction materials, items pre-packaged outside LA (except egg cartons)
Summary
Los Angeles bans the distribution, sale, or provision of expanded polystyrene (EPS/Styrofoam) products including food/beverage containers, egg cartons, food trays, shipping boxes, and packing peanuts by food/beverage facilities and retail establishments. Large businesses (26+ employees) had to comply by April 2023; all others by April 2024.
SEC. 198.01. DEFINITIONS.
B. "Expanded Polystyrene" means polystyrene that has been expanded or "blown", using a gaseous blowing agent, into a solid foam and is sometimes known by the trade name Styrofoam™.
E. "Expanded Polystyrene Product(s)" means a product made from Expanded Polystyrene associated with food or beverage service, and includes, but is not limited to, such products as cups, bowls, plates, clamshells, Egg Cartons, Food Trays, coolers, and ice chests that are made from Expanded Polystyrene. Expanded Polystyrene Products also include shipping boxes, packing peanuts, and packing materials.
SEC. 198.02. PROHIBITION OF DISTRIBUTION AND SALE OF EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE PRODUCTS.
A. Beginning April 23, 2023, no Large Food or Beverage Facility or Large Retail Establishment shall:
1. Distribute, offer, provide, rent, or sell to any Person any Expanded Polystyrene Product.
2. Distribute, offer, provide, rent, or sell to any Person any food or beverage in any Expanded Polystyrene Product.
3. Distribute, offer, provide, rent, or sell to any Person shipping or packing material that contains Expanded Polystyrene.
B. Beginning April 23, 2024, all other Food or Beverage Facilities and Retail Establishments shall comply with the requirements of Section 198.02 A.
Full Breakdown
LAMC § 198.02 (Ord. No. 187,717, Eff. 1/23/23) prohibits large food/beverage facilities and retail establishments from distributing, providing, or selling any Expanded Polystyrene Product: defined to include cups, bowls, plates, clamshells, egg cartons, food trays, coolers, ice chests, shipping boxes, and packing peanuts. Large means more than 26 employees; for national/statewide chains all chain employees are counted. The deadline for all remaining facilities was April 23, 2024. Products wholly encapsulated in a more durable material, construction materials, and most pre-packaged items shipped from outside the City are exempt. Health facilities and residential care facilities for the elderly are fully exempt.
Violations & Fines
Enforcement by LA Bureau of Sanitation (DAA), which may investigate violations, issue fines, and enter premises during business hours. DAA may promulgate fine schedules by regulation. Administrative Citations subject to Article 1.2 hearing and appeal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the polystyrene ban apply to small restaurants?
Can businesses still use foam coolers or ice chests?
Are there exceptions for products shipped pre-packaged from outside the City?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
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Polystyrene Foam Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle polystyrene foam rules.