EPS Ban
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Ban
Effective July 1, 2021, the City of Ventura will prohibit the use of expanded polystyrene (EPS) containers used by food and beverage providers. Commonly known as Styrofoam, EPS food containers are a prevalent form of litter found in storm drains, creeks, rivers, beaches, parks, and open spaces.
For questions about the ordinance and to receive assistance complying with the ordinance, call (805) 652-4525, or Email.
Background
In February 2020, the Ventura City Council directed staff to draft an ordinance to ban EPS food and beverage containers to help reduce the environmental impacts of this material.
The EPS ban prohibits any food provider from distributing EPS food and beverage containers. Food providers are defined as any person or business located within the City that provides prepared food or beverages for public consumption. Types of banned EPS items include, but are not limited to, cups, plates, bowls, meat trays, clamshells, and coolers that are not wholly encapsulated by another material. Food providers may choose any non-EPS product to replace banned EPS products.
EPS Ban Resources
Here are some resources to assist vendors with the upcoming ban:
- City of Ventura Green Business Program
- This free program helps businesses reduce their environmental impact, provides free promotional opportunities, and offers a $500 rebate for businesses to make eco-friendly upgrades like switching from EPS to alternative products. Businesses must become Certified Green Businesses to be eligible for a rebate. Contact Lars Davenport.
- Plastic Free Restaurants
- This program helps restaurants switch from plastic and EPS products to compostable products by temporarily subsidizing the cost difference between those plastic items and the certified compostable alternatives. Restaurants must avoid plastic dine-in and to-go ware to be eligible for the subsidy. Their website has resources for finding compostable products and distributors.
- For the first six months, they cover 100% of the cost difference.
- For the next six months, they cover 50% of the cost difference.
- For the next twelve months, they cover 10% of the cost difference.
- This program helps restaurants switch from plastic and EPS products to compostable products by temporarily subsidizing the cost difference between those plastic items and the certified compostable alternatives. Restaurants must avoid plastic dine-in and to-go ware to be eligible for the subsidy. Their website has resources for finding compostable products and distributors.