San Jose's Polystyrene Foam Foodware Ordinance under SJMC Chapter 9.10, effective 2014, prohibits restaurants and food vendors from using expanded polystyrene cups, plates, clamshells, and trays citywide.
San Jose adopted its Polystyrene Foam Foodware Ordinance in 2013 with full enforcement starting January 2014, codified within SJMC Chapter 9.10. The rule bans food service businesses from dispensing prepared food in expanded polystyrene foam containers, including cups, plates, bowls, clamshells, and trays. Recyclable or compostable alternatives are required. The ban covers restaurants, cafeterias, food trucks, schools, and city facilities. California's statewide SB-54 (2022) extended polystyrene phaseout obligations onto producers, but San Jose's stricter local foodware rule remains the active enforcement mechanism. Limited hardship waivers exist for small businesses demonstrating financial impact during transition.
Food vendors using banned polystyrene foam containers receive a warning notice followed by escalating administrative fines per violation, with repeat offenders referred to the Environmental Services Department for formal code enforcement action.
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See how San Jose's polystyrene foam rules rules stack up against other locations.
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