California – After the plastic sector fell short of state authorities’ mandated recycling goals, California has formally started implementing a statewide ban on polystyrene foam foodware, frequently referred to as Styrofoam. CalRecycle, the state’s department of resources recycling and recovery, issued the enforcement decision after industry failed to reach a 25% recycling rate for the material by the end of 2024.
Read also: JCPenney is closing several stores soon. One in California.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed a historic anti-plastic pollution law in 2022 with provisions for the banning of foam foodware unless the plastic sector could show a significant recycling rate. The ban, which had been legislated but not aggressively enforced, is now in full effect as the deadline has passed and the recycling rate goal unmet. January saw the state ban polystyrene items including cups, plates, and takeaway containers from manufacture, sale, and distribution.
National recycling rates hovering about 1% make polystyrene foam infamously hard to recycle. Often seen scattered across beaches and rivers, the waste not only endangers the environment but also endangers animals. Moreover, chemicals in the foam might seep into beverages and food, hence endangering human health.
Read also: USPS changes are on the horizon. How it will affect California?
Although the ban has been formally in effect since January, both Governor Newsom and CalRecycle’s ambiguous enforcement policies have allowed many California companies to keep using foam foodware. CalRecycle’s recent statement ended this time of inactivity and is an important step toward California’s more general objectives of lowering pollution and plastic waste.
The details of how CalRecycle plans to implement the ban is still unknown, including the consequences for non-compliance. The action has been much expected, though, and it fits a bigger pattern across the United States where several states and communities have previously enacted similar restrictions.
Environmental organizations have reacted favorably to the implementation. State Director of CALPIRG, a public interest organization, Jenn Engstrom commented on the progress.
“Polystyrene foam cups, plates, and take-out containers are overflowing our landfills, polluting our beaches and ocean, and contain chemicals that can make us sick,” said Engstrom. “Nothing we use for a few minutes should harm our environment and threaten our health for hundreds of years. That’s why California banned foam foodware statewide. It’s great to see CalRecycle taking action to better enforce this crucial law.”
Read also: Parking in downtown Sacramento changes for good
This enforcement sends a strong signal that California is committed to its environmental obligations and public health issues connected to plastic waste. To follow the new rules, businesses throughout the state will have to change their policies and look for sustainable substitutes for polystyrene foam, so indicating a major move toward more environmentally friendly food service operations.