Banning Styrofoam Take-Out Containers

The most abundant type of non-cigarette litter is foamed polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam. Just like all other types of plastic, Styrofoam never fully biodegrades, and because of it's lightweight nature, can easily travel through gutters, storm drains, or on the wind, and reach the ocean.

Just like other forms of plastic in the marine environment, Styrofoam breaks down into smaller and smaller particles that absorb toxic chemicals, are ingested by wildlife, and enter the food chain that we depend on.
Visit our Plastic Pollution page for more on the impacts of plastic..

Polystyrene is a threat to our ocean, environment and communities alike!

1. Polystyrene/Styrofoam contains toxic chemicals that leach into hot foods and beverages.
2. In most cities and counties, Styrofoam cannot be recycled. Styrofoam is never compostable.
3. Styrofoam never fully biodegrades and thus easily become litter, costing communities economically and environmentally.
4. Bans on Styrofoam containers reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and prevent plastic pollution.
5. Alternatives made from recycled content cardboard and compostable/biodegradable materials are readily available.

See a list of our recent victories to ban Styrofoam and protect the ocean:

The City of Capitola and the County of Santa Cruz: Both jurisdictions expanded their Styrofoam bans to prohibit retail sales of foam products such as plates, cups, bowls, peanuts, and coolers. SOS will be working with Santa Cruz County to outreach to local businesses impacted by ban, effective October 17.
The City of Marina
The City of Salinas: Read more...
San Mateo County: Read more...
The City of Half Moon: Read more...

Save Our Shores continues to advocate for bans on Styrofoam take-out containers.

State of California: In 2011, Save Our Shores advocated in strong support of SB 568, a bill to ban Styrofoam take-out containers throughout California. The bill was suspended until 2013. Read Clean Water Action's Fact-Sheet-on-SB-568 to find out why a California ban on Styrofoam is a good idea.
The City of Santa Cruz: City expects to approve an expanded Styrofoam ban June.
The City of Scotts Valley: City is looking into creating a Styrofoam ban ordinance. We hope to see it on their agenda this summer.
The City of Watsonville: SOS submitted public comment to push for the item to be added to the City's agenda.
The City of San Jose: SOS is working with Save the Bay on a campaign to get Styrofoam take-out containers banned.