Source Reduction

The Growing Need for Action

Single-use plastics are everywhere. From packaging to straws, bottles, and food containers, these products have become integral parts of modern-day life. However, their widespread use has serious environmental consequences. Over the past two decades, plastic production has skyrocketed, with half of all plastic ever produced being made since 2002. Alarmingly, less than 10% of plastic waste is recycled globally, resulting in an overwhelming accumulation of plastic waste – over 6 billion metric tons – polluting our landfills, oceans, and environment.

In 2019 alone, it was estimated that between 1 and 5 million tons of plastic waste littered the ocean, devastating marine life and ecosystems. Locally, single-use plastics dominate the top items collected during California's beach clean-ups and are frequently found polluting local waterways and clogging stormwater infrastructure. The aesthetic and environmental harm caused by plastic waste is undeniable, and the City of Los Angeles (City) is taking bold steps to address this growing crisis.

The City's Strategy for Source Reduction

To tackle the plastics problem, the City through LA Sanitation and Environment is implementing a Comprehensive Plastics Reduction Program, focused on reducing the use of single-use plastics. This program is designed to shift from a transitional waste management model to one focused on source reduction, waste prevention, and a circular economy.

The strategy consists of two main approaches:

Upstream Measures: These efforts prevent single-use plastics from entering the waste stream in the first place by focusing on the reduction of their production and consumption. This includes encouraging the reuse of items.
Downstream Measures: These efforts increase the City’s ability to manage collecting, reusing, recycling, and composting of alternative materials and support reusable products.

By reducing the use of non-recyclable and non-compostable products, encouraging the use of reusable products, and improving waste management, the City aims to protect the environment, public health, and move toward a more sustainable, circular economy.

This strategy received formal approval from the Los Angeles City Council on October 1, 2024. The strategy’s approval was accompanied by the certification of its environmental review (Final Program Environmental Impact Report, Final PEIR) pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). For additional details on the strategy and the Final PEIR, visit LASAN’s CEQA page.

The City's Progress: Source Reduction Ordinances

The City has already adopted several source reduction ordinances to curb single-use plastic waste. These ordinances help prevent the introduction of plastics into the waste stream and support sustainability efforts throughout the City. The following ordinances are in full effect:

Zero Waste City Facilities and Events on City Property: Ordinance 187718 (2022)
Expanded Polystyrene Ban: Ordinance 187717 (2022)
Expanded Single-Use Carryout Bag Ban: Ordinance 187716 (2022)
Disposable Foodware Accessories on Request: Ordinance 187030 (2021)
Plastic Straws on Request: Ordinance 186028 (2019)
Single-Use Carryout Bag Ban: Ordinance 182604 (2013)

These ordinances reflect the City’s commitment to reducing plastic waste and promoting a circular, sustainable future. Through these efforts, the City is leading the way in plastic reduction, encouraging the use of reusable products, and protecting the environment for future generations.