Polystyrene Ordinances:

2013- Ordinance 13-0009 prohibits the use of polystyrene food service ware

2014- Ordinance 14-0003 prohibits polystyrene coolers, straws, lids, and utensils

2018- Ordinance 18-0016 prohibits use of polystyrene egg cartons, produce trays, and packing peanuts

2019- Ordinance 19-0009 prohibits polystyrene meat trays

These ordinances were adopted to reduce litter and to ensure that all food service containers and materials are recyclable or compostable. If you own a local business that currently does not have recycling collection services, we encourage you to contact Waste Management at (310) 830-7100. Waste Management will complete a waste audit of your business at no charge to setup your recycling and solid waste management needs. Recycling can reduce your disposal costs as well as ensure that your customers can properly recycle at your establishment.

For residents and members of the public, we encourage you to "Bring Your Own!" containers, reusable cups and mugs, straws, and utensils whenever you can. Several local businesses in Manhattan Beach already offer incentives for patrons that bring their own reusable mugs, and many more will begin to offer incentives to encourage customers to take their leftovers home in their own reusable containers.

What products are added in 2018 & 2019?

Allowed:

- Paper/cardboard egg cartons

- Biodegradable packing materials

- Biodegradable produce and meat trays

- Recyclable produce and meat trays

Not allowed:

- Polystyrene or Styrofoam®️ egg cartons

- Polystyrene or Styrofoam®️  packing materials

- Polystyrene or Styrofoam®️  meat and produce (fruit/vegetable) trays

Polystyrene Ban compliance dates:

October 10, 2013 - Ordinance 13-0009 effective

April 10, 2014 - Enforcement of ordinance began and all businesses must indicate their compliance with this ordinance on the annual business license renewal application

May 2, 2014 - Amendments to the polystyrene ordinance came into effect

October 1, 2014 - Amendments to the polystyrene ordinance became enforceable

June 5, 2018 - New Amendments to Municipal code Chapter 5.80 (Ordinance 18-0016) adopted 

January 1, 2019 - The 2018 amendments become enforceable

March 19, 2019 - Polystyrene meat trays amendment adopted to municipal code

January 1, 2020 - Polystyrene meat trays amendment takes effect

Please direct questions to the City's Environmental Sustainability Division at (310) 802-5508

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Acrobat Reader Windows Media Player Word Viewer Excel Viewer PowerPoint Viewer