At its Oct. 26 meeting, the Beverly Hills City Council adopted an ordinance that amends the Beverly Hills Municipal Code to regulate disposable foodware accessories in an effort to reduce single-use plastic waste. The Disposable Foodware Accessories Ordinance also aims to lessen the environmental impacts associated with the production and disposal of items such as napkins, straws, plastic cutlery, condiments, and other disposable flatware. The ordinance mandates that food service establishments only give out such items to customers upon request, including orders placed online and via third party delivery apps. The initiative was introduced by the Public Works Commission (PWC) as a first step before future consideration of a complete ban on plastics and Styrofoam. The ordinance is meant to address an increase in waste due to take-out orders and deliveries seen during the pandemic. While the ordinance does not prohibit the use of disposable foodware accessories, businesses must hang signage that notifies customers of the ordinance.
In May, the PWC unanimously agreed to recommend the ordinance to the Council, and the Council unanimously agreed to move forward on the proposed ordinance at its Sept. 21 meeting. The ordinance goes into effect on Nov. 27.
