February 12, 2025 Your Source for Brentwood News

LA County Takes Steps Towards Banning Single-use Plastics

Board of Supervisors approve ordinance along 4-1 vote, final vote still needed

By Dolores Quintana

An ordinance that would ban the use of single-use plastics and disposable food containers, cups or dishes by restaurants and businesses in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County has advanced in the approval process as reported by ABC 7 Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted without a discussion of the ordinance and it passed 4 to 1. Supervisor Kathryn Barger was the only supervisor who voted against the ordinance. 

The ordinance requires that all cutlery, dishes and containers be either recyclable or compostable and that any retail stores in these areas would be prohibited from selling any styrofoam or “expanded polystyrene” products of any kind. Those products include cups, coolers, packaging materials, plates and pool toys unless they are sheathed in a “durable material” that makes them longer lasting. Restaurants with dine in service must also only provide customers with reusable “multi-service” tableware. 

The ordinance must be approved by the Board of Supervisors with a second vote, but that vote hasn’t been scheduled at this time. If this final vote approves the measure, then the ordinance would go into effect starting in May of 2023 if the restaurant location is a permanent establishment or a retail location. Food trucks would have until November 1 of 2023 to comply and finally, farmer’s markets, catering companies and temporary food locations would have until May 1 of 2024 to comply. 

The fine for violations of the ordinance would be $100 dollars a day and fines would go up to a maximum of $1,000 per year. Backers of the ordinance are environmental groups who oppose the use of disposable and styrofoam products because they fear the effects of these products on the environment and human health. 

CJ O’Brien of Oceana said, as quoted by ABC 7 Los Angeles, “Plastic has now been found in our water, food, air and our bodies, and scientists are still (learning) how this may be affecting human health.” and that marine animals “are consuming or becoming entangled” in the disposable waste that come from use of these products. She also said that billions of pounds of plastic and styrofoam waste enter the marine ecosystem each year and that amount is projected to triple by the year 2040.

Business groups have been opposed to this measure, stating that it will increase their costs and that there is no evidence that the ordinance will actually reduce waste products. A representative from The Valley Industry and Commerce Association claims that the cost of 100 compostable forks is ten times the cost of 1,000 disposable plastic forks. 

To address business concerns, Supervisors Janice Hahn and Hilda Solis proposed and the board approved a motion to provide business owners with an education and outreach program from the county to help businesses integrate and implement the changes necessary to comply with the ordinance. This program would require county officials to provide business owners with the educational information to go forward and the officials would put together a list of sources for compostable and recyclable utensils and tableware. The county would also monitor the supply chain to watch for any potential issues in getting those products. Hahn acknowledged that the pandemic has been especially difficult for restaurants, but that this ordinance is necessary to lessen the effects of plastics on the environment. 

Supervisor Hahn noted that she proposed the motion because she wanted “to make sure that we work with our businesses. We want to make sure they’re not overburdened and have what they need to comply with this.”as quoted by ABC7 Los Angeles. 

“We want to help them, give them the tools that they need.”

Related Posts

ART& 2025: NeueHouse Unveils Inspiring Lineup Celebrating Feminine Leadership

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Four-Day Event in Venice Beach Explores Creativity, Activism, and Cultural Impact NeueHouse has unveiled the schedule for ART& 2025, a...

Brentwood Community Council Meeting For February, First Meeting After Palisades Fire

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Local Leaders, Crime Updates, and Community Discussions on the Agenda The Brentwood Community Council will host its next meeting on...

Canned Tuna Pulled from Shelves Over Botulism Contamination Risk

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

El Segundo Seafood Company Issues Voluntary Recall Through FDA Tri-Union Seafoods has issued a voluntary recall of certain canned tuna...

Powerful Storm to Bring Heavy Rains, Possible Debris Flow to Los Angeles

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Officials Warn of Risks, Urge Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather A Pacific storm system is expected to bring widespread...

Retailers Impose Egg Purchase Restrictions as Supply Chain Disruptions Cause Concern

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Egg Limits Are Back – What’s Causing the Shortage? Retailers across the United States, including Costco and Trader Joe’s, have...

Esteemed Brentwood Entertainment Reporter Sam Rubin Honored at Major Awards Ceremonies

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Industry Pays Tribute to a Broadcasting Legend With Special Recognition The late Sam Rubin, a longtime and beloved entertainment reporter...

New Bill Targets Crime in Disaster Zones – Here’s What You Need to Know

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Lawmakers Push for Tougher Penalties To Protect Vulnerable Communities California lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at cracking down...

What about are you protected from future wildfires?

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the recent wildfires and Santa Ana windstorms in Southern California. We...

Tree Trimmer Shocked by Power Lines in Westwood and Suspended 25 Feet in the Air

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

LAFD to the Rescue and LADWP Worked to De-Energize Power Lines The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) responded to reports...

Shore Hotel Remains Sustainability Leader

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

By Susan Payne On track to open its new coastal-inspired restaurant, Shore Hotel has excited new offerings and initiatives this...

Brentwood’s Newest Architectural Marvel Lists as a Modernist Masterpiece

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Brand New Estate Blends Contemporary Elegance With Cutting-Edge Luxury A newly completed estate in Brentwood, designed by AD100-recognized architects Ramin...

Multiple Injuries, Deaths in Multi-Vehicle Crash on 405 Freeway in Westwood

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Emergency Crews Extricated One Trapped Victim; Two in Critical Condition Emergency crews responded to the scene of a multi-vehicle crash...

Actor Will Arnett Lists Stunning Beverly Hills-Area Home for $22.5 Million

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Comedy Star’s Modern Farmhouse Features Custom Podcast Studio Actor and comedian Will Arnett is selling his modern farmhouse-style home near...

Rescheduled 2024 Homeless Count Needs More Volunteers on the Westside

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Not Enough Volunteers to Successfully Count Unhoused Angelenos This Year With the rescheduled dates for the 2025 Greater Los Angeles...

Brentwood Library Announces Fantastic February Events for Children and Families

February 7, 2025

February 7, 2025

Storytime, Brick-Building, Readings, and Live Music are Highlights This Month Althea Martinez, the Donald Kaufman Brentwood Library’s new children’s librarian,...