Restaurant owners are dissatisfied with a potential ban on single-use plastics in Los Angeles County’s unincorporated areas.
On April 5, the LA County Board of Supervisors voted 4–1 in favor of an ordinance requiring all food-service businesses in unincorporated areas to switch to recyclable or compostable containers, cups, and dishes. Additionally, full-service restaurants are also required to use reusable utensils, like silverware.
This ordinance also prohibits retailers in these communities from using styrofoam, including coolers, packaging materials, and single-use articles such as cups, plates, and pool toys.
According to the LA County Department of Regional Planning, over 65 percent of LA County is unincorporated, and if the ordinance is passed, it will impact approximately 1 million residents living in these areas.