“Despite Ban, Styrofoam Products Still Widely Available in California: What You Need to Know”
Despite a ban on expanded polystyrene plastic products that went into effect on January 1, 2025, styrofoam coffee cups, plates, clamshell takeout containers, and other food service items made with this material can still be found in restaurants and on store shelves in California. A recent visit to a Smart and Final in Redwood City revealed a wide selection of foam plates, bowls, and cups for sale. Additionally, online retailers like Amazon.com offer a variety of foam food ware products that can be shipped to California addresses.
The ban on expanded polystyrene is part of a larger single-use plastic law, Senate Bill 54, that Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law in 2022 but recently bailed on. While the full law is currently in limbo, the provision banning expanded polystyrene remains in effect. Nick Lapis, director of advocacy for Californians Against Waste, explained that the law was written in a way to ensure the polystyrene ban would go into effect even if the rest of the bill failed.
CalRecycle, the state’s waste agency, is responsible for overseeing and enforcing the ban on expanded polystyrene. However, despite the ban being in place, styrofoam food service products are still widely available in the state. CalRecycle spokesperson Melanie Turner stated that the agency is in the process of identifying businesses producing, selling, and distributing these products and considering ways to help them comply with the law.
Senate Bill 54 also called for plastic and packaging companies to reduce single-use plastic packaging by 25% and ensure that a certain percentage of the material is recyclable or compostable by 2032. However, representatives from the plastic, packaging, and chemical recycling industry raised concerns about the feasibility and cost of implementing the regulations. As a result, Governor Newsom let the deadline for the finalized rules and regulations pass without implementation.
The continued presence of expanded polystyrene on store shelves has raised questions about the state government’s willingness to enforce the ban. Environmental groups and lawmakers are urging for stricter enforcement of the law to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment. Despite the challenges, CalRecycle has stated that they can provide compliance assistance, initiate investigations, and issue notices of violation to ensure businesses comply with the ban on expanded polystyrene.
Overall, the issue of single-use plastics and plastic waste is a growing environmental and health concern. The accumulation of plastic waste in waterways and oceans has had detrimental effects on marine life and human health. With ongoing efforts to address plastic pollution, stakeholders are calling for stricter enforcement of laws like the ban on expanded polystyrene to protect the environment and public health.