Waste Reduction Regulations Ordinance Takes Effect July 1

Burbank, CA (June 28, 2024) – The City of Burbank’s Waste Reduction Regulations Ordinance, adopted by the Burbank City Council on March 15, 2024, will take effect on July 1, 2024. The ordinance prohibits the City's purchase of plastic water bottles for events and facilities, limits the use of polystyrene packaging and single-use food ware, and aligns with the state’s “Upon Request” policy for single-use items. In summary, businesses must provide dine-in customers with reusable food ware and to-go customers can request compostable or disposable single-use food ware. Businesses experiencing undue hardship may be exempt from complying with the ordinance through a case-by-case waiver application process.

The Waste Reduction Ordinance introduces several key measures aimed at reducing the use of non-sustainable materials and promoting environmentally friendly practices within the City:

• Prohibition of Plastic Water Bottles: Effective July 1, 2024, the City of Burbank will no longer purchase plastic water bottles for City events and facilities, with limited exceptions.
• Polystyrene Ban: Effective July 1, 2024, the use or sale of expanded and rigid polystyrene packaging and food ware will be prohibited.
• “Upon Request” Policy: Effective March 15, 2024, in line with California's AB 1276 policy, food service businesses are prohibited from providing single-use food ware utensils, straws, or standard condiments to customers unless requested. 

Further regulations will take effect on January 1, 2026:

• Non-Recyclable/Non-Compostable Food Ware Ban for Take-Out: Food service businesses will be required to use recyclable and/or compostable PFAS-free food ware for take-out customers.
• Reusable Food Ware for Dine-In: Disposable food ware for on-site dining will be prohibited, promoting the use of reusable items.

The Burbank Recycle Center staff will focus on education and will escalate to other enforcement options if the City cannot obtain voluntary compliance.  Enforcement will be phased to allow businesses time to successfully transition to new practices and alternative products. The first form of enforcement will include a written notice of non-compliance and give businesses 60 days to correct the issues prior to issuance of any administrative citations. If administrative citations are necessary, the first offense is $100, the second $200, and the third and subsequent offenses are $500. 

The ordinance introduces a waiver process for businesses that may experience undue hardship due to the unavailability of alternative or suitable products, challenges by space, and/or financial issues. 

For a downloadable informational flyer that answers frequently asked questions, please click here.

To read the press release announcing the approval of the Waste Reduction Ordinance, please visit: https://www.burbankca.gov/newsroom/-/newsdetail/20124/burbank-city-council-approves-waste-reduction-regulations-ordinance

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