Is expanded polystyrene foodware banned in California?

Yes. SB 54 prohibits sale of expanded polystyrene foodware because it failed to achieve the 25 percent recycling rate by January 2025 required under Public Resources Code 42040-42081.

Can California cities still pass their own foam bans?

Yes. Many cities have stricter local foam bans, and they remain valid. State law sets a floor that cities can exceed but not undermine.

California Polystyrene Foam Rules Law: Statewide Single-Use Items Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Enacting Law: SB 54 (2022)
Statute: Pub Res 42040-42081
Recycling Threshold: 25% by 2025
Full Compliance: 2032

Source: California Public Resources Code Section 42057 (Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act - Expanded Polystyrene Food Service Ware Restrictions)

Full Breakdown

SB 54 (Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, 2022) codified at Public Resources Code 42040-42081 requires producers to ensure all single-use packaging and plastic foodware is recyclable or compostable by 2032. Expanded polystyrene foodware is prohibited from sale unless producers demonstrate at least 25 percent recycling rate by January 2025, escalating to 65 percent by 2032. CalRecycle certified that polystyrene failed to meet the 25 percent threshold, triggering the statewide ban. Local governments may impose stricter rules but cannot authorize prohibited products.

Violations & Penalties

Producers face civil penalties up to $50,000 per day per violation under Public Resources Code 42081 enforced by CalRecycle and the Attorney General.

California Polystyrene Foodware Restrictions Statewide

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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