The City stayed enforcement of Ordinance No. 0-21030 N.S. prohibiting the distribution or use of polystyrene (also known by the trademarked name Styrofoam) within the City of San Diego pending the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) under the California Environmental Quality Act. During this time, using, selling, and distributing polystyrene foam is not prohibited under Ordinance No. 0-21030 N.S. within the City of San Diego. UPDATE: The City of San Diego Environmental Services Department presented the proposed Single Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance last Thursday, October 27th to the City Council's Environment Committee. Here is what the ordinance will put into effect:
San Diego’s Polystyrene Foam and Single Use Plastics Ordinance
Polystyrene foam products are not easily recyclable and can end up in the environment as litter and possibly harm wildlife.
Plastic straws are a significant contributor to marine pollution and are among the most common forms of litter collected on California beaches.
While the EIR is being prepared and the Polystyrene Foam and Single Use Plastics Ordinance is not being enforced, businesses and restaurants can choose to use either polystyrene foam or alternative products.
The most preferred alternative products are those that can be reused or recycled. See below for a list of alternatives to polystyrene foam.
Alternatives to Polystyrene Foam
Preferred
| Material | Product | Comments |
| Reusable service ware | Reusable plates, bowls and cups | Wash and reuse |
| Paper (uncoated or clay coated) | Bowls, plates, trays, cups, hinged containers, boxes | Recyclable if free of food |
| Aluminum | Trays, lidded containers, wrap | Recyclable if free of food |
| Plastic (rigid, non-foam) | Bowls, plates, trays, cups, lids, hinged containers | Recyclable if free of food |
NOT Preferred
| Material | Product | Comments |
|
Bowls, plates, trays, cups, hinged containers, boxes, lids, wrap | Not Recyclable, must be placed in trash. Not accepted in local recycling or composting programs. Does not help San Diego reach its zero waste goals. |
