Polystyrene "Foam" Food Ordinance
On September 11, 2024, the City of South San Francisco approved an ordinance to ban the retail sale of expanded or extruded polystyrene (EPS) foam food service ware (e.g. foam plates, bowls, cups, lids, trays). These products are sometimes referred to as EPS or Styrofoam™ and may have a #6 resin code on the bottom and are white in color. The purpose of the ordinance is to reduce polystyrene foam food ware in waterways and improve water quality.
Chapter 8.72 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code Title 8 regulates the use of non-compostable disposable food service ware by food facilities. The current ordinance prohibits the use of non-compostable disposable food service ware by food facilities This ordinance was amended to include the prohibition of the retail sale of polystyrene or foam food service ware. This includes, but is not limited to: foam plates, bowls, cups, lids, and trays. The amended ordinance is effective as of January 1, 2025.
The ordinance may affect a number of businesses including convenience or liquor stores, delicatessens, grocery stores or supermarkets, roadside or sidewalk stands, festivals, or other food or retail or sales outlets.
Did you know?
- Polystyrene foam is considered non-biodegradable because it takes approximately 500 years to decompose
- Polystyrene is not recyclable and because it does not biodegrade, it remains in our landfills indefinitely
- Polystyrene breaks down into tiny pieces, infiltrating our water and food sources
- There is growing consensus that polystyrene also known as “foam” is a likely carcinogen and leaches harmful chemicals once heated
- The United States makes up 5% of the world's population but contributes nearly 40% of the world’s waste
Objectives
The objectives of the Ordinance are to:
- Reduce waste by eliminating disposable foodware that is not reusable or compostable;
- Improve the health and safety of community members; and
- Help keep our waterways clean and safe.
Key Elements
Key elements of the Ordinance include:
- Prohibits the retail sale of expanded or extruded polystyrene (EPS) foam food service ware (e.g. foam plates, bowls, cups, lids, trays). These products are sometimes referred to as EPS or Styrofoam™ and may have a #6 resin code on the bottom and are white in color.
- The sale of polystyrene foam is prohibited by all vendors, including, but not limited to, cafeterias, caterers and fraternal clubs, convenience, liquor, and grocery stores, mobile food vendors, carts, food kiosks and stands, restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and pubs, retail stores, restaurant supply stores, party supply stores, drug stores, hardware stores, supermarket take out.
- This ordinance is effective as-of January 1, 2025.
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