Los Angeles Ordinance 187200 added LAMC section 195.30 to ban food vendors and city facilities from using expanded polystyrene foam containers, cups, plates, trays, and coolers. Phase-in dates vary by business size, but the ban is now full citywide.
LAMC chapter XIX article 5 section 195.30 prohibits any food provider in Los Angeles from selling, distributing, or using disposable foam (EPS) food service ware. Covered items include cups, plates, bowls, clamshells, trays, and coolers. Small businesses with under 26 employees received an extra year to comply, but as of 2024 all retailers and restaurants must use compostable or recyclable alternatives. City departments and contractors are also barred from purchasing EPS. The Bureau of Sanitation enforces with warnings, then escalating fines. The rule complements California Senate Bill 54 (Public Resources Code section 42041) packaging-reduction requirements.
Distributing or using banned EPS foam food ware violates LAMC section 195.30 and triggers warnings, then administrative fines up to several hundred dollars per day from LA Sanitation.
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