Legislation authored by state Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) to end the use of wasteful takeout food containers in food facilities operated on state properties, including state parks and beaches, was signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown.

State Sen. Ben Allen said California will set an example for responsible food packaging under the new law. (photo by Edwin Folven)

SB 1335 would require that all food containers provided at food facilities in state-owned properties be recyclable or compostable by Jan. 1, 2021.

“California will set a positive example by showing the world that it’s possible to switch from environmentally damaging food packaging to sustainable alternatives. Our new policy will help lead the way to widespread availability and acceptance of to-go food containers that are affordable, recyclable, compostable and non-toxic,” Allen said.

Takeout food packaging in California generates tons of non-recyclable and non-compostable waste every day, much of which finds its way into the natural environment. Once there, plastic packaging breaks down into impossible-to-clean-up pieces and is ingested by fish and other marine life. Reducing the volume of take-out food packaging is a necessary step in beginning to address the global environmental health crisis of plastic pollution and assist California in meeting its goal of diverting 75 percent of waste from landfills by 2020.

The legislation requires CalRecycle, a state department that oversees recycling and resource conservation programs, to develop a list of acceptable packaging types to assist food vendors providing food service on state properties in complying with the law.