Santa Monica, CA Single-Use Items: Polystyrene Foam Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Banned material
- Polystyrene (Plastic #6) and all non-marine degradable food service ware
- Who must comply
- All food or beverage providers in Santa Monica
- Items covered
- Plates, cups, bowls, trays, hinged containers, straws, stirrers, lids, utensils
- City events covered
- Yes. City facilities, events, concessions
- Infraction fine
- Up to $250 per violation
- Hardship exemption
- Up to 1 year by Director; extensions by City Council only
Summary
Santa Monica prohibits food and beverage providers from dispensing prepared food or drinks in any non-marine degradable disposable food service ware, effectively banning polystyrene (Plastic #6) containers, cups, plates, bowls, trays, lids, and similar items.
"Polystyrene" means a synthetic material made from polymerizing styrene. This type of plastic can be identified as Plastic #6. ... "Marine degradable" means products ... designed to biodegrade under the marine environmental conditions ... in less than one hundred twenty days. Products predominantly made with plastics, either petroleum or biologically based, shall not be considered marine degradable. ... Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, a food or beverage provider shall dispense prepared food or beverages to customers only in marine degradable disposable food service ware. ... All City facilities, whether owned or leased by the City, City-managed concessions, City-sponsored events, and City-permitted events shall use only marine degradable disposable food service ware to dispense prepared food or beverages.
Full Breakdown
The ordinance covers all disposable food service ware, plates, cups, bowls, trays, hinged containers, straws, stirrers, lid plugs, lids, and utensils, used by any food or beverage provider in Santa Monica. Products predominantly made with plastics (petroleum or bio-based) are not considered marine degradable. The ban also applies to all City facilities, City-managed concessions, City-sponsored events, and City-permitted events. Exemptions for economic hardship may be granted by the Director for one-year periods.
Violations & Fines
Infraction: fine up to $250 per violation. Administrative citations may also be issued. The City Attorney may seek injunctive or other relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a restaurant use styrofoam containers for takeout?
What can food providers use instead of polystyrene?
Does this ban apply to food trucks and caterers?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California single-use items overview
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Polystyrene Foam Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle polystyrene foam rules.