Hollywood is Plastic and Foam Free

The City of Hollywood, is committed to reducing their environmental impacts and becoming, more sustainable. One step the City has taken, is achieving this goal and to ban the use of, non-biodegradable containers, like plastics and expanded polystyrene foams (EPS), used for serving, food products.

On October 1st, 2018, any establishment, located east of the Intracoastal Waterway, selling food intended for consumption by customers off the premises of their business, was included in the ban. On October 21st, 2020, the City Commission approved, a ban on single-use plastics and polystyrene foams, on City-owned properties and by City vendors. City-owned properties include: Community Centers, The Hollywood City Hall, The Fire Stations and more. A six month grace period, is now in effect, prior to citation for violations.

What types of food packaging are banned?
Cups, lids, straws, plates, bowls, utensils, sandwich containers or other packaging, which are made of plastic, polystyrene plastic or of any non-biodegradable materials that are banned.

What is polystyrene and why did the City of Hollywood ban it?
Polystyrene, best known as “styrofoam,” is a non-biodegradable plastic material made from Petroleum. It is commonly used in takeout containers, disposable coffee cups, single-use utensils and dinnerware. The material breaks apart easily and is often found, littered throughout the waterways and can harm wildlife, if, ingested.

How do you identify polystyrene packaging?
Polystyrene material can be identified with the "6" symbol marked on the packaging.

What types of food packaging can be used?
Businesses may use any compostable materials or paper. Businesses may also access the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI), which is an online catalog of key individuals and groups from government, industry and academia, which promotes the use and recycling of biodegradable polymeric materials (via composting).

What will happen if my business does not comply with the ban?
Businesses found in violation, will be issued a Code Violation and could face fines for failing to comply. If a business has questions about complying with the ordnance call (954) 921-3061.

For more information about the products included in the ban, please refer to Code of Ordinances 97.05. You may also contact the City of Hollywood Code Compliance Division at: 954-921-3061 or beach compliance 786-202-3957.

Polystyrene Foam Grows
In addition to the City of Hollywood in the U.S., a considerable number of cities and counties have passed ordinances banning foodservice disposables made from polystyrene foam. Some localities have even banned a wider range of consumer products made of polystyrene foam, such as beach and pool toys, coolers, egg containers and marine navigation markers. While polystyrene foam bans have not made a large impact on total U.S. demand yet, an increase in bans throughout the US by municipalities and foodservice companies, could impact sales, in the future.