SF Environment Code Chapter 16 prohibits expanded polystyrene foam food containers, packing peanuts, coolers, and dock floats, expanded in 2017 to one of the most comprehensive municipal foam bans in the country.
The original 2007 ban covered restaurant takeout containers; 2017 amendments extended the ban to all foam packaging sold or distributed in SF including ice chests, beach toys, packing peanuts, mooring buoys, and pool toys. Vendors must use compostable or recyclable alternatives. Some narrow exemptions exist for medical packaging and certain pre-packaged products shipped from outside SF. SF Environment partners with Recology to monitor and educate. The ordinance influenced California AB 1276 and AB 1201 statewide rules. Compliance is high among local restaurants; out-of-area mailorder shipments are the main grey area.
Selling, distributing, or using prohibited foam products in SF can result in fines starting around $100 per violation and escalating to several hundred dollars for repeat offenses, plus product seizure.
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