Los Angeles Bans Styrofoam, Single-Use Plastics To Become ‘Zero-Waste’ City

This week, authorities in Los Angeles voted unanimously to ban polystyrene—more popularly known as the trademarked name, Styrofoam--and other single-use plastics in its push to become a “zero-waste” city. 

The rule will prohibit the sale and distribution of polystyrene products in the region, along with two other ordinances that will close loopholes for the ban on single-use plastic bags, and require all city departments to be zero-waste at local facilities and events.  

Polystyrene, in particular, is one of the key detriments to our environment. According to the Society for Environmental Journalists, the material often piles up in landfills due to its slow rate of decomposition, which is estimated to be at least 500 years.

Worse still, it’s estimated that 20% of products made from polystyrene don’t even make it into landfills, but rather end up as litter across the United States, eventually making its way to pollute water bodies. 

Recycling isn’t a good option for tackling excess polystyrene either, considering the material isn’t naturally biodegradable, and often comes in the form of cups or food packaging that aren’t easily cleaned or aren’t profitable for recycling firms. 

Gizmodo notes that these new measures are part of Los Angeles’ goal of achieving “zero-waste” status by 2050. From April 23, 2023, restaurants, coffee shops, retailers, bars, and other facilities across the city will no longer be able to serve polystyrene to customers.

This includes “any commercial establishment located within the city that sells goods directly to customers primarily for the customer’s own consumption or use,” as per the terms of the legislation. 

However, small businesses will be given extra leeway and an additional year to implement the measures. Items that can be used long-term, such as surfboards or cooler buckets, craft supplies, or helmets, will also be exempted from the ban. 

As said in a speech quoted by ABC7, Councilman Mitch O’Farrell explains that the forthcoming rules will help the second-largest city in the US “send a clear message that expanded polystyrene has no place in our city’s future.” 

[via Gizmodo and ABC7, cover image via Zkruger | Dreamstime.com]