The Surfrider Foundation's U.S. Plastics Policy Map
Check out Surfrider’s comprehensive map of state and local plastics policies.
CALIFORNIA JURISDICTIONS WITH POLYSTYRENE ORDINANCES
There are currently 131 local ordinances restricting expanded polystyrene.
The list below can be sorted by jurisdiction, adoption year, or type.
GOV = Applies only to government facilities.
REST = Applies to food service establishments.
FULL = Applies to food service establishments AND regulates the retail sale of certain EPS products.
| Jurisdiction | Adoption Date | Type* | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alameda | 2008 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene, includes requirement that all takeout food packaging be compostable. |
| Alameda County | 2015 | REST | Ban on polystyrene ban for all disposable food service items, with a requirement for recyclable or biodegradable replacements. |
| Albany | 2008 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene, includes a requirement that all takeout food packaging must be compostable or recyclable. |
| Aliso Viejo | 2005 | GOV | Ban on expanded polystyrene in government facilities. |
| Arcata | 2015 | FULL | Ban of distribution and sale of polystyrene food packaging products. |
| Arroyo Grande | 2016 | FULL | Ban on the distribution and sale of expanded polystyrene, includes a requirement that all disposable food containers be biodegradable, compostable or recyclable. |
| Avalon | 2017 | REST | Ban on the distribution of expanded polystyrene food containers for prepared foods. |
| Belmont | 2012 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene (references San Mateo County ordinance). |
| Berkeley | 1988 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene, includes a requirement that 50% of takeout food packaging be recyclable or compostable. |
| Brisbane | 2014 | REST | Ban on polystyrene food packaging. |
| Burlingame | 2011 | REST | Ban on polystyrene foodservice ware (references San Mateo County ordinance). |
| Calabasas | 2008 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene, includes a requirement that all takeout food packaging be recyclable or compostable. |
| Camarillo | 2022 | FULL | Prohibits food providers from distributing expanded polystyrene, and also bans both the sale and distribution of any expanded polystyrene food packaging, containers and food service ware. |
| Campbell | 2014 | REST | Expanded polystyrene foodware ban, adopted in December of 2014, effective June 1, 2015. |
| Capitola | 2012 | FULL | Ban on the sale of expanded polystyrene products. This is an expansion of 2009 requirement that all disposable takeout food packaging be compostable. |
| Carlsbad | 2022 | REST | Ban on polystyrene foodware, includes requirement that all foodware must be reusable or compostable. |
| Carmel-by-the-Sea | 1989 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene, includes requirement that 50% of takeout food packaging be recyclable, compostable or reusable. |
| Carpinteria | 2017 | FULL | Ban on non-recyclable plastic food takeout containers, including expanded polystyrene. |
| Colma | 2013 | REST | Ban on polystyrene-based food serviceware for prepared foods. |
| Concord | 2018 | REST | Ban on all polystyrene foam food and beverage serviceware. |
| Contra Costa County | 2020 | REST | Ban on all polystyrene foam food and beverage serviceware. |
| Costa Mesa | 2020 | GOV | Prohibits use or purchase of EPS food service products at city facilities & city sponsored events. |
| Culver City | 2017 | FULL | Ban on distribution or sale of expanded polystyrene food containers, and includes a provision which requires food providers to ask customers before providing disposable utensils. |
| Cupertino | 2014 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene food takeout containers. |
| Daly City | 2012 | REST | Ban on polystyrene-based food serviceware for prepared foods. |
| Dana Point | 2012 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene food containers. |
| Davis | 2017 | REST | Ban on polystyrene food containers, requirement that all takeout food packaging be recyclable or compostable. |
| Del Mar | 2019 | REST | Bans distibution of polystyrene food ware. Additional prohibition of polystyrene packing materials. |
| Del Rey Oaks | 2010 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene, includes a requirement that all takeout food packaging be recyclable or compostable. |
| Dublin | 2019 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene, includes a requirement that all takeout food packaging be recyclable or compostable. |
| El Cerrito | 2014 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene, includes a requirement that all takeout food packaging be recyclable or compostable. |
| Emeryville | 2008 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene, includes a requirement that all takeout food packaging be recyclable or compostable. |
| Encinitas | 2016 | REST | In November 2016, City Council banned all disposable food serviceware made from Expanded Polystyrene for all food providers and city facilities. |
| Fairfax | 1993 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene for all restaurants and food retail vendors. |
| Fort Bragg | 2015 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene food containers. |
| Foster City | 2012 | REST | Ban on polystyrene for restaurants and food vendors (references San Mateo County ordinance). |
| Fremont | 2011 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene ban, includes a requirement that all takeout food packaging be recyclable or compostable. |
| Goleta | 2022 | FULL | Ban on the distribution and sale of polystyrene products, restricts the sale of Mylar balloons and prohibits all balloon releases, regulates the distribution of plastic disposable foodware, and establishes and on-premises reusable foodware policy. |
| Gonzales | 2015 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene, includes a requirement that all takeout food packaging be recyclable or compostable. |
| Greenfield | 2015 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene, includes a requirement that all takeout food packaging be recyclable or compostable. |
| Grover Beach | 2018 | FULL | Ban on the sale and distribution of any expanded polystyrene products. |
| Half Moon Bay | 2011 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene foodware (references San Mateo County ordinance). |
| Hayward | 2011 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene ban for restaurant vendors, includes a requirement that takeout food packaging must be recyclable or compostable. |
| Hercules | 2008 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene. |
| Hermosa Beach | 2012 | REST | Ban on polystyrene containers. |
| Huntington Beach | 2005 | GOV | Ban on expanded polystyrene in government facilities. |
| Imperial Beach | 2018 | REST | Ban on non-recyclable plastic food takeout containers, including expanded polystyrene. Including a ban on expanded polystyrene packaging materials. |
| Lafayette | 2014 | REST | Ban on CFC processed polystyrene, includes a requirement that 50% of food containers must be recyclable or returnable (75% by 2020). |
| Laguna Beach | 2008 | REST | Ban on polystyrene, includes a requirement that all plastic takeout food packaging be recyclable. Bans the retail sale of foam or other non recyclable plastic disposable foodware. |
| Laguna Hills | 2008 | GOV | Ban on expanded polystyrene in government facilities. |
| Laguna Woods | 2004 | GOV | Ban on expanded polystyrene in government facilities. |
| Livermore | 2010 | REST | Food vendors are required to use recyclable or compostable takeout food packaging. |
| Long Beach | 2018 | REST | Covers restaurants and requires plastic utensils and straws upon request. |
| Los Altos | 2014 | FULL | Ban on the distribution and sale of expanded polystyrene foam food containers and ice chests. |
| Los Altos Hills | 2012 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene and non-recyclable plastic food containers. |
| Los Angeles City | 2008 | GOV | Ban on expanded polystyrene in government facilities. |
| Los Angeles County | 2008 | GOV | Ban on expanded polystyrene in government facilities. |
| Los Gatos | 2014 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene food containers and coolers. |
| Malibu | 2005 | FULL | Ban on both the sale and distribution of any food packaging, containers and food serviceware that is made from expanded polystyrene, and that is not either compostable or recyclable. Includes a ban on the retail sale of packing materials, coolers, pool/beach toys, buoys, and other items made from expanded polystyrene. |
| Manhattan Beach | 2013 | FULL | Amendments adopted in 2014 to include all other non-recyclable disposables and polystyrene coolers, expanded the ban on polystyrene food packaging (2013), which was an update to the 1988 ban on CFC processed polystyrene. |
| Marin County | 2010 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene food containers. |
| Marina | 2011 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene food containers, includes a requirement that all takeout food packaging must be recyclable or compostable unless alternatives are unavailable. |
| Martinez | 2014 | REST | Ban on CFC processed polystyrene food takeout containers. |
| Mendocino County | 2014 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene food containers. |
| Menlo Park | 2012 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene (references San Mateo County ordinance). |
| Mill Valley | 2009 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene foam food containers for food vendors and government facilities. |
| Millbrae | 2008 | REST | Ban on polystyrene ban, includes a requirement that all plastic takeout food packaging be recyclable or compostable. |
| Milpitas | 2017 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene food serviceware. |
| Monterey City | 2009 | REST | Ban on polystyrene, includes a requirement that all plastic takeout food packaging be recyclable or compostable. |
| Monterey County | 2010 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene food serviceware. |
| Monrovia | 2017 | GOV | Ban on the use or purchase of expanded polystyrene food service products in government facilities. |
| Morgan Hill | 2013 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene in restaurants and other food facilities. |
| Morro Bay | 2016 | FULL | Ban on the both distribution and sale of expanded polystyrene, includes a requirement that all disposable food containers must be biodegradable, compostable or recyclable. |
| Mountain View | 2014 | FULL | Ban on expanded polystyrene food packaging products for retail sale or distribution in food facilities. |
| Newport Beach | 2008 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene. |
| Novato | 2013 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene. |
| Oakland | 2007 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene, includes a requirement that all plastic takeout food packaging must be recyclable or compostable. Businesses that generate a large portion of litter must pay a litter fee. |
| Oceanside | 2024 | FULL | Ban on expanded polystyrene food containers and the sale of other retail items made of polystyrene including packing materials, coolers, pool/beach toys, buoys. Retail establishments and food providers are also prohibited from distributing carryout bags and must charge at least $0.10 per bag for reusable or recyclable bags. |
| Ojai | 2014 | FULL | Ban on expanded polystyrene for retail stores and food vendors. |
| Orange County | 2005 | GOV | Ban on expanded polystyrene in government facilities, includes the cities of Aliso Viejo, Huntington Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and the Santa Margarita Water District. |
| Pacific Grove | 2008 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene, includes a requirement that all takeout food packaging be recyclable or compostable. |
| Pacifica | 2010 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene. |
| Palo Alto | 2010 | FULL | Ban on expanded polystyrene, retailers are prohibited from selling or distributing polystyrene foam. |
| Pasadena | 2017 | FULL | Ban on polystyrene for all food providers, retail and government facilities/sponsored events. |
| Petaluma | 2020 | FULL | Ban on expanded polystyrene disposable foodware and the retail sale of coolers and packing materials. |
| Pinole | 2018 | FULL | Ban on expanded polystyrene disposable food containers, and the retail sale of polystyrene coolers. |
| Pismo Beach | 2016 | FULL | Ban on expanded polystyrene disposable food containers, and the retail sale of any expanded polystyrene products. |
| Pittsburg | 1993 | GOV | CFC processed polystyrene ban. Title 8.06.210 of Municipal Code. |
| Pleasanton | 2013 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene, includes a requirement that all takeout food packaging must be recyclable or compostable. |
| Portola Valley | 2012 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene foodware (references San Mateo County ordinance). |
| Rancho Cucamonga | 2007 | GOV | Ban on expanded polystyrene in government facilities or events. | Redondo Beach | 2020 | FULL | Ban on expanded polystyrene disposable food containers, and the retail sale of polystyrene coolers. |
| Redwood City | 2013 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene foodware (references San Mateo County ordinance). |
| Richmond | 2013 | FULL | Ban on polystyrene for takeout food packaging in restaurants (2010) was expanded to prohibit retail sale of polystyrene products (2013). |
| Salinas | 2011 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene in takeout containers. |
| San Anselmo | 2019 | FULL | Ban on expanded polystyrene foodware and the retail sale of expanded polystyrene ice chests and coolers. |
| San Bruno | 2010 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene, includes a requirement that all plastic takeout food packaging be recyclable or compostable. |
| San Carlos | 2012 | REST | Ban on polystyrene food serviceware includes a requirement that food facilities shall only provide compostable or recyclable serviceware. Foodware accessories on shall be available to consumers by request. |
| San Clemente | 2011 | REST | Expansion of ban on expanded polystyrene in government facilities (2004) to include all food establishments in the city. |
| San Diego | 2019 | FULL | Bans the use and distribution within city limits of products like egg cartons, food containers, coolers, ice chests, pool or beach toys, mooring buoys and navigation markers made fully or partially of polystyrene foam. |
| San Francisco | 2016 | FULL | Expansion of ban on expanded polystyrene in food serviceware (2007) to a ban on the retail sale of polystyrene products including coolers, meat tray and packing materials. This ordinance also includes a requirement that all takeout food packaging must be recyclable or compostable. |
| San Jose | 2013 | REST | Expansion of ban on expanded polystyrene in government facilities to include all food establishments in the city. Prior to that, the city had a government facility expanded polystyrene ban for special events. |
| San Juan Capistrano | 2004 | GOV | Ban on expanded polystyrene in government facilities. |
| San Leandro | 2011 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene food containers. |
| San Luis Obispo | 2015 | FULL | Ban on expanded polystyrene food containers & the retail sale of foam products. | San Luis Obispo County | 2021 | FULL | Ban on expanded polystyrene food containers & the retail sale of foam products. Includes a requirement that all takeout food containers must be reusable, biodegradable or recyclable. | San Marcos | 2021 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene food serviceware, includes a requirement that all disposable food serviceware must be compostable or recyclable. |
| San Mateo (City) | 2013 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene food service ware, includes a requirement that all disposable food serviceware must be compostable. |
| San Mateo (County) | 2011 | REST | Expansion of ban on polystyrene in government facilities (2008) to include all of unincorporated San Mateo County. |
| San Pablo | 2014 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene food serviceware, includes a requirement that all disposable food serviceware must be compostable or recyclable. |
| San Rafael | 2012 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene containers. |
| Santa Barbara | 2019 | FULL | Ban on expanded polystyrene food service ware and requires all disposable food service ware to be recyclable or compostable. Prohibits any retailer from selling or otherwise providing any expanded polystyrene product which is not wholly encapsulated. |
| Santa Clara (City) | 2015 | REST | Ban on polystyrene food service ware, implemented in phases for national chain restaurants and all other restaurants. |
| Santa Clara (County) | 2012 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene takeout containers for unincorporated county. |
| Santa Cruz (City) | 2012 | FULL | Expansion of previous ban on expanded polystyrene food containers to ban the sale of all foam polystyrene products. Includes a requirement that food packaging must be recyclable or compostable. |
| Santa Cruz (County) | 2012 | FULL | Expansion of previous ban on expanded polystyrene food containers (2008)to ban the sale of all foam polystyrene products. Includes a requirement that food packaging must be recyclable or compostable. |
| Santa Monica | 2007 | REST | Ban on polystyrene and most other non-recyclable plastic disposable food containers. |
| Sausalito | 2008 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene food containers for food vendors and city facilities. |
| Scotts Valley | 2009 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene, includes a requirement that all takeout food packaging must be recyclable or compostable. |
| Seaside | 2021 | FULL | Expansion of previous ban on polystyrene (2010), includes a requirement that all plastic takeout food packaging be recyclable or compostable. Also bans the retail sale of polystyrene products. |
| Solana Beach | 2015 | REST | Ban on polystyrene and non-recyclable plastic disposable food service containers, includes a ban on expanded polystyrene packing materials. |
| Sonoma (City) | 1989 | GOV | Ban on expanded polystyrene in government facilities. |
| Sonoma (County) | 1989 | GOV | Ban on expanded polystyrene in government facilities. |
| South Lake Tahoe | 2018 | FULL | Ban on sale and distribution of polystyrene, includes cutlery and straws only upon request. |
| South Pasadena | 2016 | FULL | Ban on sale of expanded polystyrene food service ware for all food providers, retail sales and city facilities. |
| South San Francisco | 2008 | REST | Ban on polystyrene. |
| Sunnyvale | 2013 | FULL | Expansion of expanded polystyrene container ban in restaurants (2013) to ban the retail sale of expanded polystyrene food packaging products. |
| Ukiah | 2015 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene foodware for food establishments or city facilities. |
| Union City | 2016 | REST | Ban on polystyrene disposable food ware, includes a requirement that all disposable food ware must be recyclable or compostable. |
| Ventura (City) | 2021 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene foodware. |
| Ventura County | 2004 | GOV | Ban on expanded polystyrene in government facilities. |
| Vista | 2023 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene food serviceware, includes regulations on the distribution of single-use foodware. |
| Walnut Creek | 2014 | REST | Ban on polystyrene food packaging. |
| Watsonville | 2014 | FULL | Expansion of ban on polystyrene foodware (2009) to ban the retail sale of expanded polystyrene products. Includes a requirement that all takeout food packaging be recyclable or compostable. |
| West Hollywood | 1990 | REST | Ban on polystyrene food containers for restaurants and food vendors. |
| Yountville | 1989 | REST | Ban on expanded polystyrene food containers. |