Disposable Food Service Ware and Polystyrene Foam Model Ordinance was developed by Zero Waste Sonoma staff and adopted by Town Council in 2019. The ordinance prohibits the sale of certain polystyrene foam products and limit the use of non-recyclable or non-compostable disposable food ware, and food ware containing fluorinated chemicals (PFAS).
The ordinance applies to:
Restaurants, bars, and food trucks
Retail food vendors (including any store, shop, sales outlet, convenience store, grocery store, or deli)
Private schools and faith-based organizations (public schools are managed by the state and not subject to the ordinance)
Town facilities (including lessees) and special events requiring a permit from the Town
The main elements of the ordinance are the following:
Prohibits polystyrene foam food ware distributed by food and beverage providers.
Prohibits polystyrene foam food ware and specified polystyrene foam products sold by retail stores.
Requires food/beverage providers and special events to use of unlined, fiber only compostable products or recyclable food service ware.
Requires food/beverage providers to provide single-use straws, beverage lids, cutlery and to-go condiment packages only upon request. Customer may ask for the particular items, food providers may offer specific items, or the establishment may utilize a self-service area.
Requires food/beverage providers to provide service ware products without added fluorinated chemicals (PFAS).
Encourages use of reusables through optional fee for single-use or credit to customers providing their own containers.