On June 1, all businesses in Shoreline must use reusable food service ware for any prepared food to be consumed on-site (indoor and outdoor seating). This is similar to the statewide polystyrene ban that you can read about here. Reusable is defined as an item designed and manufactured of durable materials to maintain its shape and structure, and capable of being washed, sanitized, and used at least 1,000 times. A summary and FAQ can be found here.
To-go items must use commercially compostable plates, bowls, cups, and utensils for takeout and to-go orders. Compostable requirements can be found here.
Additionally, businesses must:
- Serve condiments meant for onsite dining in reusable containers.
- Have a dishwashing system onsite or a contract with an offsite provider to clean and sanitize all reusable food service ware consistent with state and local health codes.
- Ask customers where the prepared food will be consumed and use the appropriate service ware if they offer both onsite and offsite dining.
Ordinance 990 was adopted in 2023 and applies to any food service establishment, which includes any person or place that serves or sells food such as restaurants, coffee shops, cafes, bars, cafeterias, delis, grocery stores, convenience stores, caterers, vendors at fairs, food trucks, schools, hospitals, and health care facilities.
There is process to apply for a waiver from these requirements if businesses are not able to comply due to extraordinary circumstances. Click here to learn more about the program and potential exempt products, and to contact the city for more information.
