New Rules For Food Service Ware Go Into Effect In 2019

SANTA MONICA, CA – Santa Monica's updated Disposable Food Service Ware Ordinance will go into effect on January 1, 2019. The new rules require food establishments to distribute food and beverages with marine degradable food service ware, the city press release said.

Materials allowed by the ordinance include paper, fiber, wood, wheat straw/straw, bagasse or edible material; the ordinance prohibits plastics (#1-6), bio-plastic (#7/PLA) and aluminum, the press release said. Disposable food service ware items include straws, utensils, stirrers, lid plugs, plates, trays, bowls, containers, cups and cup lids. Marine degradable straws and utensils may only be provided upon request.

"Due to the lack of market ready marine degradable cups and cup lids, these product categories will be exempt from the ordinance for one year. Businesses will be required to provide marine degradable cups and cup lids beginning January 1, 2020," according to the City of Santa Monica. "The exemption allows product manufacturers, distributers, and businesses additional time to develop and procure compliant cups and cup lids. Council has limited this exemption to one year. By January 1, 2020, staff expects that all cups and cup lids will also be non-plastic and compostable in compliance with the ordinance."

The ordinance enforcement measures will begin July 1, 2019 allowing for a six-month adjustment period for local businesses. The ordinance will protect the Santa Monica Bay from plastic pollution while reducing landfilled waste by making food and food-related waste readily recyclable, furthering Santa Monica's sustainability goals, which include the goal to achieve zero waste by 2030.

For more information, please visit www.smgov.net/foodware.

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