Aiming for ‘zero waste,’ Los Angeles backs new restrictions on plastic food ware.

Single-use plastic bags, as well as “by request only” restrictions on disposable plates, utensils and straws at restaurants are already banned in the City.

Now L.A. will begin to phase out single-use cups, water bottles, sealed condiment packages or plastic cups, forks, plates or bowls at city-owned venues, such as the zoo and city restaurants.  Reusable items, such drinking glasses or bottles must be made available.  The ban will be effective county wide in 2023. 

The objective is to lead the way for the rest of the state and country to follow.  The City Council has wanted to take action the past several years, citing the blight of plastics on the streets, in parks and waterways and on the beaches and the burden and cost of picking up all that litter. They want to stop it at its source, stating “For too long the petrochemical industry has been putting these costs onto us.”

Source:  L.A. Times Susanne Rust Staff Writer  April, 2022