Two Largest Cities in US State of California Ban Plastic Foam - Oceana

Victory | December 6, 2022

Two Largest Cities in US State of California Ban Plastic Foam

San Diego and Los Angeles, the two largest cities in the U.S. state of California, banned expanded polystyrene, the plastic foam often used to produce single-use cups, plates, and other foodware, following campaigning by Oceana and its allies. Because of its brittle texture, expanded polystyrene easily breaks up into tiny pieces that quickly disperse into the environment and can be mistaken for food by animals. Retailers and restaurants in both cities will be prohibited from distributing or selling plastic-foam foodware and other expanded polystyrene products. Both cities also instituted additional measures to cut down on plastic: The Los Angeles City Council expanded the city’s single-use plastic bag ban and instructed all city departments to develop zero-waste plans for city buildings and events, while the San Diego City Council made utensils and straws available to customers by request only.