To prevent plastics from polluting our community,  especially our ocean, and from filling up landfills, the Hermosa Beach City Council adopted Ordinance 19-1398 on November 18, 2019, to expand the ban on certain polystyrene and single-use plastic products in Hermosa Beach, which already includes polystyrene food containers and plastic bags. All affected businesses must achieve compliance before July 1, 2020. Check out the City's Single Use Plastics Ban & Alternatives Guide (thumbnail at right) for more details on restricted items along with sustainable and cost effective alternatives. 

The City is fully committed to assisting businesses and the community with the implementation of Ordinance 19-1398 and achieving timely compliance with the following provisions:

1. Prohibits the distribution and sale of polystyrene meat and fish trays and produce trays, and polystyrene coolers;
2. Prohibits the use, distribution, and sale of polystyrene packing materials;
3. Prohibits the use and distribution of certain single-use plastic products, including plastic beverage straws, plastic stirrers, and plastic utensils whether for use onsite, to-go, or delivery;
4. Implements an “upon request" policy for non-plastic single use straws, stirrers, and utensils;
5. Prohibits the sale and distribution of foil, “metalized," or Mylar balloons;
6. Prohibits use or distribution of foil, “metalized," or Mylar balloons on public property, including beaches and parks;
7. Prohibits the use or distribution of latex balloons at City functions or City-sponsored events; and
8. Prohibits the release of latex balloons anywhere within City limits.

Public Meetings & Approvals

• November 18, 2019 - City Council adoption of Ordinance 19-1398 - an Ordinance of the City of Hermosa Beach, California, amending Chapter 8.64 of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code to expand the ban on polystyrene food service ware to include a ban on certain polystyrene products, single use plastic products, and single-use products and amending Chapter 1.10 to make violations of Chapter 8.64 as amended subject to administrative penalty procedures

• November 12, 2019 - City Council Public Hearing - introduction of an ordinance amending the Municipal Code to expand the ban on polystyrene food service ware to include a ban on certain polystyrene products, single-use plastic products, and single-use products.

• August 27, 2019 - City Council Public Hearing - continued to a future meeting - introduction of an ordinance amending the Municipal Code to expand the ban on polystyrene food service ware to include a ban on certain polystyrene products, single-use plastic products, and single-use products.

• July 9, 2019 - City Council requested staff to develop and return with an ordinance to reduce and eliminate the sale and use of certain polystyrene products, single-use plastic products, and single-use products in Hermosa Beach.

For questions and more information, please contact Douglas Krauss, Environmental Programs Manager, at 310-750-3603 or dkrauss@hermosabeach.gov.  

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