Los Angeles prohibits expanded polystyrene foam takeout containers, clamshells, plates, trays, and bowls under Ordinance 187357. Replacement fiber or plastic containers labeled compostable must hold BPI or CMA certification under California AB-1201.
The food ware ordinance phased in April 23 2023 for food facilities with 26 or more employees and April 23 2024 for all remaining facilities, including caterers, food trucks, school cafeterias, and city-permitted events. Banned items include foam clamshells, plates, bowls, trays, hinged containers, and meat trays. Acceptable substitutes include aluminum, paperboard, fiber molded pulp, PET, and certified compostable bioplastic. AB-1201 (PRC 42357) bars the words compostable, home compostable, or soil biodegradable on any food container unless certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute or Compost Manufacturing Alliance.
Sanitation officers issue 100 dollar first-violation notice, 200 dollars for second, and 500 dollars per later violation within twelve months. Persistent noncompliance can trigger health permit suspension proceedings.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles Ordinance 187200 added LAMC section 195.30 to ban food vendors and city facilities from using expanded polystyrene foam containers, cups, plates,...
Los Angeles, CA
California AB-1276 and Los Angeles implementation require food facilities to provide single-use utensils, straws, condiment packets, and stirrers only when t...
Los Angeles, CA
LAMC chapter XIX article 5.5 bans expanded polystyrene foam cups at all food facilities and city events. Other plastic cups remain allowed but must meet recy...
See how Los Angeles's takeout containers rules stack up against other locations.
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