Los Angeles, CA Single-Use Items: Takeout Containers (2026)
Key Facts
- Containers banned
- EPS cups, bowls, plates, clamshells, egg cartons, and food trays
- Large facility compliance date
- April 23, 2023 (26+ employees, chain-wide count)
- All facilities compliance date
- April 23, 2024
- Facilities covered
- Restaurants, bars, cafes, grocery stores, food trucks, caterers, farmers’ markets, and similar
- Facility exemptions
- Health facilities (H&S Code § 1250) and residential care facilities for the elderly (§ 1569.2)
- Enforcing agency
- LA Bureau of Sanitation (LA Sanitation & Environment)
Summary
Los Angeles bans food and beverage facilities from serving food or drinks in expanded polystyrene containers such as cups, bowls, plates, and clamshells. Large facilities (26+ employees) had to comply by April 2023; all other food/beverage facilities by April 2024.
SEC. 198.01. E. "Expanded Polystyrene Product(s)" means a product made from Expanded Polystyrene associated with food or beverage service, and includes, but is not limited to, such products as cups, bowls, plates, clamshells, Egg Cartons, Food Trays, coolers, and ice chests that are made from Expanded Polystyrene.
SEC. 198.02. PROHIBITION OF DISTRIBUTION AND SALE OF EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE PRODUCTS.
A. Beginning April 23, 2023, no Large Food or Beverage Facility or Large Retail Establishment shall:
1. Distribute, offer, provide, rent, or sell to any Person any Expanded Polystyrene Product.
2. Distribute, offer, provide, rent, or sell to any Person any food or beverage in any Expanded Polystyrene Product.
B. Beginning April 23, 2024, all other Food or Beverage Facilities and Retail Establishments shall comply with the requirements of Section 198.02 A.
SEC. 198.04. EXEMPT FACILITIES.
A. Health Facilities, as defined in Section 1250 of the California Health and Safety Code, shall be exempt from the requirements of this article.
B. Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly, as defined in Section 1569.2 of the California Health and Safety Code, shall be exempt from the requirements of this article.
Full Breakdown
LAMC § 198.02 prohibits Los Angeles food/beverage facilities from distributing or serving food or beverages in any Expanded Polystyrene Product. The definition of EPS Product specifically lists food service containers: cups, bowls, plates, clamshells, egg cartons, and food trays. The ordinance applies to restaurants, bars, coffee shops, convenience stores, grocery stores, caterers, mobile food trucks, theater concessions, and any other food/beverage facility in the City. Health facilities under California H&S Code § 1250 and residential care facilities for the elderly under § 1569.2 are exempt.
Violations & Fines
Enforcement by LA Bureau of Sanitation (DAA). DAA may investigate violations, issue fines, and enter food/beverage premises during business hours. DAA may promulgate fine schedules by regulation. Administrative Citations subject to Article 1.2 hearing and appeal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my restaurant still use foam cups and clamshell containers?
When did small restaurants have to comply?
Are hospital cafeterias and nursing home dining rooms exempt?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California single-use items overview
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