Galanter Proposes Foam Packaging Ban

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Ruth Galanter Wednesday proposed a citywide ban on foam packaging used by the food industry, and the elimination of at least half of other non-biodegradable food packing materials.

Saying the lack of landfills in the city has created crisis conditions, Galanter pushed for a one-year voluntary reduction on the use of polystyrene foam used to insulate food.

Under the terms of Galanter’s motion, a mandatory ban on the material would follow the voluntary reduction.

For other packaging that cannot be recycled or returned and is not biodegradable, a two-year voluntary reduction program would be followed by a permanent 50% reduction, Galanter told a City Hall news conference.

The ban would affect fast-food outlets, grocery stores, restaurants and catering trucks, Galanter said.

“The city of Los Angeles is finally starting to get serious about its solid waste crisis, and I hope this measure will help build a little more momentum for some solutions,” she said.