Marin County Polystyrene Ban

On October 27, 2009 the Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance prohibiting retail establishments in the unincorporated county and county facilities from the continued use of polystyrene and plastic food packaging. The ordinance will go into effect on January 1, 2010 and enforcement of the ordinance will be deferred to July 1, 2010 to allow affected businesses to acquire compliant packaging materials while making use of their existing stocks.

The basis for the ordinance is the growing scientific awareness that polystyrene and plastic packaging pose serious risks to human health, wildlife, the environment and economy. These materials do not bio-degrade and are difficult to recycle. The polystyrene manufacturing process is the fifth largest creator of hazardous waste, and ranks second in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions!

The County of Marin is proud to join the growing number of counties across the nation banning these materials.

To find answers to frequently asked questions and a listing of where to purchase compliant packaging materials, click here. For additional information, please contact the County Environmental Health Department and ask to speak with one of our Consumer Protection staff members at 499-6907.