Waste Reduction

Colorful plastic straws

Culver City is actively reducing waste by embracing environmentally friendly practices and eliminating plastic usage.

Through innovative firmware and sustainable solutions, we're committed to preserving our environment for future generations.

Join us in our efforts to create a greener, more eco-conscious community.

City Ban On Single-Use Plastics

Plastic straws, utensils, stirrer sticks, drink plugs, and other disposable plastic items are no longer allowed in Culver City.  

The City of Culver City adopted Chapter 5.07, Waste Reduction Regulations to protect the community's waterways and to promote reuse and waste reduction. The ordinance builds on the environmental benefit efforts mandated in Chapter 11.18 Polystyrene Regulations.  

Ordinances

Educational Video

  • Then check out Culver City's very own Polystyrene Ban Video:
 

 

What is banned?

The following are banned per CCMC 5.07

  • The Citywide sale of polystyrene foam food containers such as cups, bowls, plates, and clamshell containers.
  • The Citywide sale of foam coolers not encased in other material and all single-use polystyrene foam.
  • The Citywide sale of polystyrene meat, poultry, fish and vegetable trays and egg cartons.
  • Food providers cannot distribute, use, or sell plastic, PLA or single-use polystyrene food containers such as cups, bowls, plates, and clamshell containers for take-out, delivery, or on-premises dining.
  • The sale or distribution of Plastic and PLA straws, stirrers, and lid plugs.
  • The sale or use of polystyrene packing materials used in shipping containers.
  • The use of any disposable food service ware for on-premises dining.
  • All serviceware for take-out must be eligible for organics collection.
  • The distribution or sale of single-use plastic water bottles at any City facility or City sponsored event.

Who is affected by the ban?

  • Prepared food providers including restaurants, grocery stores, delis, retailers, hotels/motels with restaurants, caterers, food trucks, convenience stores and farmers’ markets
  • Members of the public who rent city facilities for their private use
  • Retailers who sell or use:
    • foam polystyrene single-use food ware containers, cups, bowls and plates
    • solid polystyrene single-use food ware containers, cups, cup lids, bowls, plates, cutlery
    • polystyrene foam coolers not encased in another material
    • polystyrene meat, poultry, fish, vegetable and egg cartons
    • polystyrene products for packing purposes for all regulated entities

May a prepared food service provider apply for an exemption?

Yes. An exemption to the ban may be provided for a one-year period if a food service provider demonstrates that the ban would cause undue hardship, which is defined as follows:

  • Situations unique to the food provider where there are no reasonable alternatives in compliance
  • Compliance would cause significant economic hardship to that food provider

Distribution of polystyrene food service ware and retail of polystyrene coolers are banned products in Culver City. The City also has an "Upon Request Policy" meaning "No food provider may provide cutlery to any person taking prepared food away from the food provider's premise unless food provider first ask person whether they want to receive and they respond that they do". 

Contact sustainability@culvercity.org to apply for an exemption.

How to identify Polystyrene

Polystyrene products may be unidentified or be identified by a No. 6 with three chasing arrows that form a triangle.

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How to Identify and avoid Polylactic acid (PLA)

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a type of bioplastic commonly used in various consumer products due to its biodegradable properties. To identify PLA, consumers can look for the recycling code "7" or the letters "PLA" on the product, often found on packaging materials, disposable cutlery, and food containers. To avoid PLA, consumers can opt for products clearly labeled as made from other materials like PET (recycling code "1") or HDPE (recycling code "2"), or choose reusable items made from metal, glass, or durable plastics. Checking product labels and favoring brands that emphasize their use of non-PLA materials can also help in avoiding PLA products.

Number 7

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Not Acceptable

The following items shall no longer be used, sold, or be distributed within Culver City: 

Plastic Straws

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Plastic Utensils

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PLA #7 Utensils

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Plastic and PLA Stirrers, Lid Plugs

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Plastic To-Go Service Ware

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Plastic To-Go Service Ware

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Plastic To-Go Service Ware

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Polystyrene Meat, Poultry, Vegetable Trays

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Polystyrene Egg Cartons

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Polystyrene Packing Peanuts

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Polystyrene Foam Blocks 

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What Is Acceptable?

 What is Acceptable?

 

Non-Plastic/PLA Straws - Metal

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Non-Plastic/PLA Straws - Bamboo

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Non-Plastic/PLA Straws - Glass

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Non-Plastic/PLA Straws - Paper

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Non-Plastic/PLA Stirrers

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Compostable Cups

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Compostable Containers

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Compostable Containers

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Alternative Product Resources

Alternative Product Resources

The following firms and alternative food ware products are provided for your convenience.  Their inclusion does not imply that the firms or the alternative food ware products they sell are endorsed by the City.

Suppliers of alternative food ware products are listed below. 

A list of additional alternative manufacturers and distributors.