New Regulation in Los Angeles County to Cut Down on Single-Use Plastic Waste
Los Angeles County is implementing an ordinance starting today that requires all food-service s, cups, dishes, and cutlery distributed by restaurants and food facilities in unincorporated areas to be recyclable or compostable. This will include cities like Marina Del Rey and comes after Culver City implemented a similar ordinance.
The measure was approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in April 2022 to reduce plastic pollution, reduce landfill waste, and decrease reliance on harmful fossil fuels. The vote made Los Angeles County the largest municipality in the nation to take aggressive action against single-use plastics.
Full-service restaurants are required to use reusable food service ware for dine-in customers, and the sale or rental of single-use coolers, packaging, plastic peanuts, and pool toys (unless they are encased in durable material) is prohibited. Food facilities must begin complying with the ordinance today, while food trucks have an additional six months to comply. Operators who can demonstrate extreme financial hardship or an inability to serve food safely in alternative packaging may apply for waivers.
Enforcement will initially be complaint-based, with a focus on education and working with businesses to transition to sustainable takeout food ware. After the first year of implementation, the County will evaluate whether additional measures are needed to support businesses in reducing waste. Violations may be subject to fines of up to $100 per day, up to a maximum of $1,000 per year as a last resort.