Refuse Division

The Disposable Food Ware Ordinance (DFWO) began as Bill 40.  It was signed into law on December 15, 2019, as Ordinance 19-30, and it has since been termed the DFWO. The intent of this ordinance is to protect human safety and welfare and to improve environmental quality on the island, in the neighboring marine environment, and globally.

The DFWO affects all food vendors and businesses operating within the City and County of Honolulu (city). This ordinance amends the Oʻahu Plastic Bag Ban and restricts the use and sale of polystyrene foam food ware, disposable plastic food ware and disposable plastic service ware. It also dictates when disposable service ware may be provided.  Please report any violations to the Recycling Branch via email to businessrecycle@honolulu.gov or by phone at (808) 768-3200 ext. 6.

Effective January 1, 2021:

• The Plastic Bag Ban shall be amended to redefine “plastic checkout bag” and “plastic film bag”, which changes six exemptions (including food products exemptions). There is also a new definition of “plastic.”
• No food vendor shall sell, serve, or provide disposable plastic service ware to customers.
• A food vendor may only provide or distribute disposable service ware for prepared food or beverage:
  • upon request or affirmative response of a customer or person being provided prepared food or beverage, or
  • in a self-service area or dispenser.
• Polystyrene foam food ware shall not be sold, provided, or offered for sale or use at any city facilities, city-authorized concession, city-sponsored or city-permitted events, or city programs.

Effective January 1, 2022:

• No food vendor shall sell, serve, or provide prepared food in polystyrene foam food ware or disposable plastic food ware to customers.
• No businesses shall sell polystyrene foam food ware, disposable plastic service ware, or disposable plastic food ware