City of Arcadia to implement new restrictions on plastic waste in 2022

The City of Arcadia will implement two new restrictions to reduce plastic waste over two phases in 2022, the city announced on Jan. 13.

Phase One will restrict the distribution of disposable food service ware items such as utensils, napkins, and condiment packets to by-request only, beginning on Feb. 3. Phase Two will prohibit the use of polystyrene containers for prepared food and beverages and will require the use of containers made from alternative materials other than polystyrene, beginning on Dec. 3.

Both waste reduction initiatives are intended to decrease the amount of plastic waste in the city and to address the increase in the amount of to-go food waste generated as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. California Assembly Bill 1276, passed by the State legislature in 2021, parallels Phase One of the City’s Ordinance and implements the “opt-in” requirement for disposable food service ware items statewide beginning on June 1.

All food providers located in the city are required to comply with the new regulations, including restaurants, cafeterias, and third-party app-based delivery platforms. There are certain exemptions such as items packaged or repackaged outside the city limits, and food providers may make a written request for exemption to all or part of the Ordinance. Written exemptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

For more information, please contact the Development Services Department at (626) 574-5415, or by email at DSD@ArcadiaCA.gov. Additional information and resources can be found on the City’s website at ArcadiaCA.gov/lessplastic.

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