The City of Carpinteria has updated its municipal code on Regulating Polystyrene Products and Single-Use Plastics to align with recent state laws and to protect our community’s environment.
Here’s what you should know:
- Residents, we urge you to refuse single-use plastics when dining out and choose reusables instead. New code allows you to bring reusable containers into businesses to be used instead of disposable plates, bowls, silverware, etc.
- Businesses should not provide customers with any polystyrene products (resin code “PS” or “#6”), plastic utensils, plastic straws or plastic stirrers. Under new guidelines set by SB 54, all disposable or to-go foodware has to be recyclable or compostable through the City’s collection program (compostable plastics are not allowed).
- In addition to foodware, Mylar or foil balloons are now prohibited within the City, and latex balloons filled with air or gasses lighter than air may not be released. These regulations help protect our community by reducing power outages and fires, and protecting our marine and terrestrial wildlife.
- Enforcement for this ordinance will not start until July to help the community transition to these new regulations. For more information on the ordinance and resources you can use, please visit https://carpinteriaca.gov/public-works/sustainability-and-environment-division/solid-waste-program/refuse-single-use-carpinteria/. If you have any questions, please contact sustainability@carpinteriaca.gov