Polystyrene Ordinance

On January 17, 2023, the Oxnard City Council adopted Ordinance No. 3022 prohibiting the use, manufacturing, distribution, and sale of designated expanded polystyrene (EPS) products. 

WHAT’S PROHIBITED BY THE ORDINANCE

Designated EPS products prohibited under this ordinance include single-use, disposable foodware products made in whole or in part from EPS used for serving, transporting, or consuming prepared food, including but not limited to plates, bowls, trays, wrappers or wrapping, platters, cartons, hinged food containers, condiment containers, cups or drinkware, or any other container in or on which prepared foods are placed or packaged for consumption. Prohibited EPS products also include any item such as a non-encased cooler or ice chest, cup, bowl, plate, hinged food container (clamshell), shipping box, packing material, or any other item made from expanded polystyrene. 

ORDINANCE IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE

The City’s goal in adopting this ordinance is to gain compliance.  No citations will be issued from now through August 31, 2023, followed by a phase-in period where compliance options will be available in lieu of fines. 

Beginning on  September 1, 2023 the City will begin issuing citations for failure to utilize compliant  materials in accordance with the ordinance. From September 1, 2023 until March 1, 2024, in lieu of paying a fine, violators may submit proof of purchase of any non-EPS containing foodware or product in any amount totaling or exceeding the amount of the fine in order to comply with the ordinance. Proof of purchase of EPS compliant materials must be submitted to Oxnard Code Compliance within fourteen (14) days of the issued civil citation. Failure to provide proof of purchase will result in the citation being processed and all fees and fines owed.

RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES

To help your business comply, ask your current supplier about alternatives to EPS products. City staff have conducted research on the potential cost impact to food providers. This research indicated that on average, compliant materials cost $0.02 more per unit/disposable foodware. Please see the following price comparison sheet to help determine which alternative options work best for you: Price Comparisons 

For more information, please contact us via email at sustainability@oxnard.org or call the Long Range Planning & Sustainability Division at (805) 385-7858.

 

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Community Meetings

Three community meeting were held in the month of September (September 19th, September 21st, and September 26th) to gather input from business owners, discuss the City’s proposed ordinance, and outline a possible implementation schedule. The final meeting was held on Zoom and was recorded. You may access the video HERE if you have trouble viewing it below: