Go

ZERO WASTE AT CITY FACILITIES AND EVENTS ON CITY PROPERTY

On December 6, 2022, the Los Angeles City Council adopted Ordinance No. 187718, Zero Waste City Facilities and Events on City Property.

Effective January 23, 2023, City facilities, City-permitted events held on City property, food or beverage providers, and other retailers operating on City property must be in compliance with the ordinance.

The ordinance mandates the recycling of food scraps and the donation of surplus edible food to food rescue organizations, in accordance with health regulations. In addition, it bans many plastic items, including expanded polystyrene (EPS) foodware, plastic bags and promotional items. Disposable foodware of all types is now prohibited; compostable foodware is required at community events, while reusable foodware is now required at catered events and dine-in meals. Water cannot be sold or distributed in plastic bottles.

REASON FOR ORDINANCE

With landfill capacity being limited, the City of Los Angeles is committed to achieving its goal of zero waste disposed of in landfills by 2050. The City recognizes that it is a large consumer of goods and producer of waste. Many current practices associated with events and the consumption of food or beverages and usage of foodware and foodware accessories generate significant amounts of waste. Organic waste, which includes food, food scraps, food waste and compostable paper foodware, generate methane when disposed in landfills. Methane is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. This ordinance will assist the City in reducing the production of solid waste, reduce plastic pollution and divert organic waste from local landfills; the latter is mandated by Senate Bill 1383. The ordinance directly supports the City's goal of zero waste by 2050.

ENFORCEMENT

The requirements of this ordinance apply to all City Contracts and amendments to Contracts that are executed on or after January 23, 2023.

All Contractors who enter into Contracts with the City shall include mandatory provisions specified in the Ordinance in all subcontracts awarded for work to be performed under the Contract with the City.

The City will not “re-open” or renegotiate community events or catered event agreements and/or restaurant/retailer leases that were in effect prior to January 23, 2023. Such agreements and leases will be revised to incorporate zero waste provisions upon their expiration.

Contractors may be asked to voluntarily comply with Ordinance.

MORE INFORMATION

The full ordinance text can be found here: Ordinance 187718

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

LASAN staff is available to answer any questions and give presentations. Contact our Solid Resources Citywide Recycling Division (SRCRD) directly by calling 213-485-2260 or emailing SRCRD@lacity.org.