To reduce plastic waste and promote a more sustainable future, the Beverly Hills Public Works Commission has requested that staff present an ordinance to the City Council to reduce single-use plastic cutlery at food service establishments.

If passed, the ordinance would require plastic cutlery such as forks, knives and spoons to only be distributed upon customer request. The change would help decrease environmental pollution as well as carbon emissions from manufacturing and disposal of plastic cutlery, according to the commission.

“This ordinance makes it simple for the community to eliminate one stream of single-use plastics, disposable cutlery, without much effort,” Director of Public Works Shana Epstein said.

During the next several weeks, the city will host a series of informational public meetings about the proposed ordinance. Business owners and residents are encouraged to participate.

The Public Works Commission is an advisory body and any ordinance would ultimately need approval from the Beverly Hills City Council. For information, visit beverlyhills.org/cutlery.