Cookie Control

This site uses cookies to store information on your computer.

Some cookies on this site are essential, and the site won't work as expected without them. These cookies are set when you submit a form, login or interact with the site by doing something that goes beyond clicking on simple links.

We also use some non-essential cookies to anonymously track visitors or enhance your experience of the site. If you're not happy with this, we won't set these cookies but some nice features of the site may be unavailable.

By using our site you accept the terms of our Privacy Policy.

(One cookie will be set to store your preference)
(Ticking this sets a cookie to hide this popup if you then hit close. This will not store any personal information)

"California Banned Polystyrene. So Why Is It Still On Store Shelves?"

"A ban on sales of styrofoam products used in food service was supposed to have taken effect Jan. 1, but California hasn’t taken steps to enforce it. CalRecycle, the state agency tasked with implementing the law, is identifying businesses producing, selling and distributing the products considering “ways to help them comply with the law,” a spokesperson said."

"Styrofoam coffee cups, plates, clamshell takeout containers and other food service items made with expanded polystyrene plastic can still be found in restaurants and on store shelves, despite a ban that went into effect on Jan. 1.

A Smart and Final in Redwood City was brimming with foam plates, bowls and cups for sale on Thursday. Want to buy these goods online? It was no problem to log on to Amazon.com to find a variety of foam food ware products — Dart insulated hot/cold foam cups, or Hefty Everyday 10.25” plates — that could be shipped to an address in California.

Same with the restaurant supply shop KaTom, which is based in Kodak, Tenn.

Smart and Final and KaTom didn’t respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for Amazon said the company would look into the matter."

Susanne Rust reports for the Los Angeles Times March 22, 2025.

Source: LA Times, 03/24/2025