Thousand Oaks, CA Single-Use Items: Polystyrene Foam Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Effective date
- January 1, 2022 (Ord. 1680-NS)
- Banned disposables
- Recycle Code 6 / 'PS' items
- Waiver process
- Annual written application to the City Manager; decision is final
- First violation
- Written Notice of Violation before any fine
- Also covers
- Foam packing peanuts and non-food EPS products, not just food ware
Summary
Thousand Oaks bans food providers from selling or distributing polystyrene (Styrofoam) disposable food ware, and separately bans anyone in the city from distributing or selling polystyrene food ware, foam packing peanuts or popcorn, or other expanded-polystyrene products that aren't fully encased in a more durable material. A handful of exemptions apply, out-of-city packaged food, raw meat/fish trays, medical shipping containers, emergencies, and food providers can apply for an annual hardship waiver.
No person shall distribute, or sell disposable food ware made, in whole or in part, from polystyrene. ... No person shall distribute or sell expanded polystyrene loose fill packaging and cushioning material, such as foam peanuts, packing peanuts, foam popcorn or packing noodles, intended for the packaging of products, equipment, or other items. ... No person shall distribute, or sell products made in whole or in part, from expanded polystyrene that is not wholly encapsulated or encased within a non-polystyrene material.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-78: 2026 S-78 Supplement contains: Current city legislation passed through March 31, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under the ordinance, food providers may only distribute disposable food ware carrying Recycle Codes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7; anything coded No. 6 or 'PS' (polystyrene) is prohibited outright. A broader citywide ban in Article 4 additionally covers non-food polystyrene items like foam packing peanuts, packing noodles, and any expanded-polystyrene product not wholly encapsulated in non-polystyrene material. Exemptions include food packaged outside the city, insulated shipping containers for perishables/pharmaceuticals meeting FDA temperature rules, raw meat/fish/poultry trays, personal food ware brought by individuals to public facilities, declared local emergencies, and certain construction/storm-water-compliant foam products. A food provider without a reasonable alternative can request an annual waiver from the City Manager; the decision is final and not appealable.
Violations & Fines
A first violation gets a written Notice of Violation specifying what must be corrected and by when. If not corrected, the City may issue civil penalty fines under Sec. 1-2.205, with each violation of the chapter treated as a separate offense; the City Attorney can also pursue injunctive or other legal relief under Sec. 6-6.802.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Thousand Oaks restaurant get an exception to use foam containers?
Are foam packing peanuts banned too, or just take-out containers?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Thousand Oaks
California rules heatmap·Compare Thousand Oaks to another location·View the California single-use items overview
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Polystyrene Foam Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle polystyrene foam rules.