Los Altos Moves Toward Styrofoam Food Container Ban

Too many of the styrofoam to-go food containers that we get in restaurants and supermarkets end up as litter, often landing in creeks flowing to the Bay.

In an effort to prevent water pollution, the City of Los Altos is one of four cities expected to consider a model ordinance that would phase-out those polystyrene containers.

Michael McTighe, a member of the Green Town Los Altos Leadership Team told the San Jose Mercury News, "It's refreshing to see cities and local communities step up and make the change, and I hope citizens in the community will understand that this is really helping the environment and making the planet a better place for our kids."

To help business owners prepare for the expected change, a Food Ware Vendor Open House was held in Sunnyvale earlier this month. The alternative containers typically cost more—a cost that will be passed along to patrons.

According to a posting about the open house, “The proposed ordinance in each city would affect restaurants, fast-food places, cafeterias, delicatessens, catering trucks and carts, festivals, or any place which provides ready-to-consume food or beverages to the public.”

The other cities considering the model ordinance are Cupertino, Sunnyvale and Mountain View.

If you have questions about the proposed ordinance, contact:

Aida Fairman, P.E.

City of Los Altos

650-947-2780 

afairman@losaltosca.gov