Foam Ban Information Page
On July 17th, 2018, Santa Barbara City Council voted unanimously to add an ordinance prohibiting the distribution and retail sale of expanded polystyrene food and beverage containers to the consent calendar. The ordinance was then adopted on July 24th, 2018.
Expanded polystyrene is commonly referred to as "styrofoam" or "foam". EPS is not recyclable in Santa Barbara. EPS products often find their way into the local environment since EPS breaks down into smaller pieces and is so light that it floats in water and is easily carried by the wind, even when it has been disposed of properly. It is in the City's interest to establish programs and services that reduce the amount of litter in the environment, in particular beach litter and marine pollution, which increases the quality of life for residents and visitors, and protects local wildlife habitat.