The City of Santa Clara has adopted a Polystyrene Foam Disposable Service Ware Ordinance that prohibits food vendors from selling or providing prepared food in polystyrene foam disposable service ware. The ordinance went into effect on September 1, 2014 for national vendors, and on January 1, 2015 for all other food vendors. Read the Polystyrene Foam Disposable Service Ware Ordinance (PDF).

Who is affected?

• Bars and pubs
• Coffee shops
• Cafeterias
• Caterers
• Convenience stores
• Liquor stores
• Grocery stores
• Food kiosks
• Mobile and street food vendors
• Restaurants
• Supermarket delis

The Ordinance does not apply to prepackaged foods or meat trays, non-profit organizations or public agency sponsored programs.

Food Vendor Resources

Request an Appointment for Technical Assistance
Polystyrene alternative food ware pricing list

For more information, contact the Environmental Programs staff at Environment@SantaClaraCA.gov.