Polystyrene Foam and Single Use Plastics Ordinance

San Diego’s Polystyrene Foam and Single Use Plastics Ordinance

Polystyrene foam products are not easily recyclable and can end up in the environment as litter and possibly harm wildlife.

Plastic straws are a significant contributor to marine pollution and are among the most common forms of litter collected on California beaches.

While the EIR is being prepared and the Polystyrene Foam and Single Use Plastics Ordinance is not being enforced, businesses and restaurants can choose to use either polystyrene foam or alternative products.

The most preferred alternative products are those that can be reused or recycled. See below for a list of alternatives to polystyrene foam.

Alternatives to Polystyrene Foam

Preferred

Material	Product	Comments
Reusable service ware	Reusable plates, bowls and cups	Wash and reuse
Paper (uncoated or clay coated)	Bowls, plates, trays, cups, hinged containers, boxes	Recyclable if free of food
Aluminum	Trays, lidded containers, wrap	Recyclable if free of food
Plastic (rigid, non-foam)	Bowls, plates, trays, cups, lids, hinged containers	Recyclable if free of food

NOT Preferred

Material	Product	Comments
Paper (coated with materials other than clay, for example, poly, PLA, or other materials) "Compostable" and "biodegradeable" plastic, sugarcane, bagasse, bamboo, molded fiber and other similar items	Bowls, plates, trays, cups, hinged containers, boxes, lids, wrap	Not Recyclable, must be placed in trash. Not accepted in local recycling or composting programs. Does not help San Diego reach its zero waste goals.

Ask your current supplier about alternatives to polystyrene foam. You may also check these other cities' lists of alternative products:

• City of Encinitas
• City of San Jose
• City of San Francisco