Calif. city bans PS carryout boxes

RICHMOND, CALIF. (Oct. 30, 12 p.m. ET) -- Richmond has joined the list of northern California communities that have banned polystyrene takeout containers.

The ban approved Oct. 20 follows a measure enacted earlier by Marin County, Calif., and will go into effect July 1. The Richmond ban requires restaurants and vendors to use biodegradable or compostable takeout packaging made of paper, aluminum, or plant-based plastics. The ban does not include straws, utensils, or lids.

The city estimated that biodegradable or compostable containers will cost restaurants 12 cents per unit more than foam containers.

Altogether, 25 California towns and two counties have banned PS takeout packaging. Four cities and one county ban PS takeout packaging at municipal facilities.

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