Camarillo considers ban on polystyrene foam containers

CAMARILLO, Calif. - Camarillo is considering a ban on polystyrene food and beverage containers.

The Camarillo City Council unanimously supports the creation of an ordinance banning Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) food and beverage containers (EPS) to minimize impacts on the environment. The ban could begin on Jan. 1, 2022.

Expanded polystyrene, known by the trademarked name of Styrofoam™, is a commonly used material to produce disposable dishes and packaging because of its low cost.

There are more than 100 local ordinances in California restricting EPS, including the nearby cities of Ojai, Ventura, and Thousand Oaks, according to a news release from Camarillo.

On Wednesday, the City Council directed staff to create an ordinance that would prohibit food providers from distributing EPS and also ban both the sale and distribution of any EPS food packaging, containers and food service ware.

The City said it plans to take an incremental approach to this effort. It may consider banning retail sale of packing materials, coolers, pool and beach toys and other items made from EPS at a later time.

The City Council directed staff to include a financial hardship waiver for small restaurants.

City staff anticipate bringing a proposed Ordinance before the City Council for review and consideration in summer of 2021.