The negative environmental impact of polystyrene, more commonly referred to as “Styrofoam,” is well documented. Styrene is listed as a hazardous air pollutant in an amendment of the Clean Air Act of 1990. Save the Bay reports that “polystyrene foam is the second most abundant form of beach debris in California and poses a risk to human health, bay wildlife, and wetland habitat.”

Because of these harmful effects, the City of San Mateo will join the County, Belmont, Brisbane, Burlingame, Colma, Daly City, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Menlo Park, Millbrae, Pacifica, Portola Valley, Redwood City, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Mateo, South San Francisco, and Woodside in implementing a regional polystyrene ban.