The next time you get takeout in San Diego, it probably won’t be in a Styrofoam container.
In San Diego, a citywide ban began on April 1 of last year, but it now applies to small businesses as well, with a one-year grace period after the law was passed.
Businesses with annual revenue of less than $500,000 were initially given an additional year to comply.
The city can still issue violation notices and fines to businesses that still use Styrofoam.
In a release issued last April, the city explained:
“Usually, expanded polystyrene products are used once before being discarded, and due to their light weight, they easily end up in the garbage. Expanded polystyrene garbage breaks down into small pieces, does not biodegrade, and is often found on roads, in canyons, etc. , waterways, storm drains, and ultimately the ocean, harming wildlife who accidentally ingest it.”
Single-use plastic straws and utensils will no longer be distributed to customers unless requested.
Other common items containing expanded polystyrene include coolers and pool and beach toys. Distribution of these items unless included within other materials is also prohibited.
