Sustainability Policy Updates and Restrictions

The Culver City Council unanimously voted to prohibit the sale and use of glue traps citywide, marking an important step in protecting local wildlife and promoting humane pest management.

Glue traps—flat boards or trays coated with sticky adhesive—are commonly used for pest control. Unfortunately, they often cause prolonged suffering and can trap unintended animals such as songbirds, lizards, and even small pets.

Why the City Took Action:

• Cruel and Inhumane: Animals caught on glue traps can suffer for hours or days before dying.
• Unsafe for People and Pets: The Centers for Disease Control warns that trapped animals can spread disease through urine and feces.
• Harmful to Wildlife: Non-target animals, including beneficial species, are often caught by mistake.
• Ineffective Long-Term: Glue traps do not fix the root causes of infestations, such as open food sources or entry points.
  
  

What Residents Can Do:

Humane and effective alternatives remain available, including:

• Enclosed snap traps and live-catch traps
• Ultrasonic or natural deterrents
• Sealing holes and removing food or water sources

Culver City will join other California cities like West Hollywood and Ojai that have already banned glue traps to protect wildlife and promote sustainable practices.

This ordinance reflects Culver City’s commitment to compassion, sustainability, and coexistence with our local environment. Together, we can keep our city safe, humane, and wildlife-friendly.

Meetings

Sustainability Subcommittee, 02/27/25

ACTION ITEM - (1) Receive a presentation regarding a ban on the sale and use of glue traps; and (2) Discuss and provide guidance to staff.

Read the Sustainability Subcommittee Meeting 02/27/25 staff report

Watch the Sustainability Subcommittee Meeting 02/27/25 video

City Council, 5/25/25

ACTION ITEM: (1) Discussion of the Sustainability Subcommittee’s Recommendation to Ban the Sale and Use of Glue Traps Citywide; and (2) If Desired, Direction to the City Manager to Draft an Ordinance Prohibiting the Sale and Use of Glue Traps Citywide.

Read the City Council Meeting 5/25/25 staff report

Watch the City Council Meeting 5/25/25 video

City Council, 10/13/25

ACTION ITEM: Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 9.01, Animals and Fowl, of the Culver City Municipal Code to Add a New Subchapter 9.01.800, et seq., Prohibiting the Sale and Use of Glue Traps.

Read the City Council Meeting 10/13/25 staff report

Watch the City Council Meeting 10/13/25 video

City Council, 10/27/25

CONSENT ITEM: Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 9.01, Animals and Fowl, of the Culver City Municipal Code to Add a New Subchapter 9.01.800, et seq., Prohibiting the Sale and Use of Glue Traps.

Read the City Council Meeting 10/27/25 staff report

Watch the City Council Meeting 10/27/25 video

Glue Trap Ban FAQ for Businesses

What does the new glue trap ban cover?

The ordinance prohibits the sale, use, and distribution of glue traps within Culver City limits. Businesses, including retailers and pest control companies, can no longer sell, offer, or set glue traps to catch rodents or other animals.

Why did Culver City ban glue traps?

Glue traps cause unnecessary suffering for trapped animals and can pose health risks to employees, customers, and pets by spreading disease through urine and feces. Many residents reported that birds, lizards, and other small animals were often caught by mistake, reinforcing community support for the ban. They also fail to address the root causes of infestations, such as food sources or entry points. The City encourages businesses to use humane, effective pest control alternatives instead.

When does the ban take effect?

The glue trap ban goes into effect on November 26, 2025. After this date, glue traps can no longer be sold or used in Culver City.

What if my business continues to sell or use glue traps after the ban?

Violations of the ordinance are considered misdemeanors and subject to penalties.

How does this impact pest control services?

Licensed pest control providers may continue to operate in Culver City as long as they use approved, humane methods in compliance with the ordinance. Businesses are encouraged to work with pest management companies that specialize in humane and preventive solutions.

What humane pest control options can my business use instead?

Effective, humane alternatives include:

• Sealing entry points and removing food or water sources
• Enclosed snap traps or live-catch traps
• Ultrasonic or natural repellents
• Proper waste management and sanitation practices

These methods target the root causes of pest problems and create safer, more sustainable environments for your business.

Do humane methods really work for commercial properties?

Yes. Humane pest control strategies focus on long-term prevention rather than short-term removal, helping reduce future infestations and maintenance costs while maintaining a safe, clean environment for employees and customers.

Culver City is evaluating ways to reduce single-use plastic carry-out bags as part of a broader effort to protect local waterways, reduce litter, and advance sustainability goals, while being mindful of impacts to local businesses and residents.

Plastic carry-out bags are among the most common litter items found in storm drains and Ballona Creek. They can harm wildlife, contribute to flooding, and break down into microplastics that persist in the environment. The City Council reviewed options to further limit plastic carry-out bags that are not already regulated under state law.

Guidelines for Enforcement

The City is currently developing a comprehensive enforcement plan to support these sustainability updates. At this time, the specific penalties for violations have not been finalized. The City’s primary focus during the initial implementation phase will be on outreach and education to ensure all community members have the resources they need to comply. Updates regarding the formal violation process and fine schedules will be posted here as they are adopted by the City Council.

City Council Recommendations

• Prohibiting the sale and distribution of plastic carry-out bags at the point of sale for all businesses, regardless of retail type or size. A carry-out bag is a plastic bag provided to a customer at checkout to transport goods from a store or restaurant.
• Allowing businesses to use existing bag inventory during an 18-month phase-in period.
• Encouraging customers to bring reusable bags or choose paper alternatives.
• Providing hardship exemptions for businesses that may need additional time to comply.

These recommendations would not apply to trash bags, produce bags, or bags used to package bulk items such as meat, produce, or prepared foods.

City Council Action:

A motion to support the City Council recommendations was passed in October 2025. No ordinance has been adopted at this time. The recommendations were referred back to committee for further discussion on enforcement, education, and implementation.

Watch the City Council Meeting discussing Single-Use Plastic Carry-Out Bags

The City Council also requested that staff report back every two years with as much information as can be gleaned regarding the economic impact of proposed changes and related sales tax revenue.

Culver City is considering ways to reduce balloon-related litter and environmental harm while recognizing the role balloons play in celebrations and local businesses.

Balloons and their accessories can travel long distances when released or improperly secured. They often end up in trees, streets, and waterways, where they can harm wildlife and contribute to long-lasting plastic pollution. The City Council reviewed different approaches to reduce these impacts.

Guidelines for Enforcement

The City is currently developing a comprehensive enforcement plan to support these sustainability updates. At this time, the specific penalties for violations have not been finalized. The City’s primary focus during the initial implementation phase will be on outreach and education to ensure all community members have the resources they need to comply. Updates regarding the formal violation process and fine schedules will be posted here as they are adopted by the City Council.

City Council Recommendations

• Prohibiting the intentional release of balloons, regardless of material or fill.
• Prohibiting the use of balloons in public spaces.
• Restricting the use of helium or other gases lighter than oxygen.
• Allowing time for businesses to transition and providing support through the City’s Economic Development team, particularly for businesses whose revenue exceeds 50 percent from balloon sales.
   

City Council Action

A motion to support the City Council recommendations was passed in October 2025. No ordinance has been adopted at this time. The recommendations were sent back to committee for further discussion on enforcement, education, and next steps.

Watch the City Council Meeting discussing Balloons

The City Council also requested that staff report back every two years regarding economic impacts and sales tax revenue related to these proposed changes.

Culver City is reviewing potential strategies to reduce single-use plastic beverage bottles, with a focus on minimizing litter, protecting waterways, and encouraging reuse.

Plastic beverage bottles are frequently found in public spaces and waterways and contribute to microplastic pollution. The City Council reviewed options that balance environmental goals with impacts to businesses and consumers.

Guidelines for Enforcement

The City is currently developing a comprehensive enforcement plan to support these sustainability updates. At this time, the specific penalties for violations have not been finalized. The City’s primary focus during the initial implementation phase will be on outreach and education to ensure all community members have the resources they need to comply. Updates regarding the formal violation process and fine schedules will be posted here as they are adopted by the City Council.

City Council Recommendations

• Expanding existing waste reduction policies related to single-use plastic beverage bottles.
• Expanding existing waste reduction policies at City facilities and City-sponsored events.
• Encouraging the use of refillable bottles and water refill stations.
• Beginning legal and fiscal analysis of implementing a fee on plastic beverage bottles.
  
  

City Council Action

A motion to support the City Council recommendations was passed in October 2025. No ordinance has been adopted at this time. The item was referred back to committee for further evaluation of enforcement, education strategies, and fiscal considerations.

Watch the City Council Meeting discussing Single-Use Plastic Beverage Bottles

The City Council also requested that staff report back every two years regarding economic impacts and sales tax revenue associated with these products.

Culver City is exploring ways to reduce cigarette litter and secondhand smoke exposure in outdoor public spaces while considering community needs and enforcement challenges.

Cigarette butts are one of the most common forms of litter, particularly in the Ballona Creek, and contain toxic chemicals that can leach into soil and waterways. The City Council reviewed options to expand outdoor smoking restrictions as part of the City’s sustainability and public health efforts.

City Council Recommendations

• Expanding outdoor smoking restrictions in public areas.
• Evaluating designated smoking areas with appropriate receptacles to reduce litter.
• Using education and outreach as primary tools to encourage compliance.
• Periodically reviewing smoke-free areas to align with best practices and community input.
  
  

City Council Action:

A motion to support the City Council recommendations was passed in October 2025. No ordinance has been adopted at this time. Discussion regarding designated smoking areas and enforcement will continue at the committee level.

Watch the City Council Meeting discussing Outdoor Smoking

The City Council also requested that staff report back every two years regarding economic impacts and related sales tax considerations.

Culver City is reviewing the use of artificial turf to better understand its environmental, public health, and equity impacts before considering any future policy changes.

Artificial turf products vary widely in materials, infill types, and performance. While some concerns have been raised related to heat, runoff, and plastics, newer technologies and alternative materials continue to emerge. The City Council reviewed initial information and determined that additional study is needed.

City Council Recommendations

• Conducting further research on artificial turf materials, including products without rubber infill.
• Evaluating environmental and health impacts alongside recreation needs and equitable access to play spaces.
• Reviewing alternative materials and emerging technologies.
• Separating artificial turf considerations from other single-use plastic discussions due to its different use and lifespan.
  
  

City Council Action

In October 2025, the City Council determined that additional information is needed before moving forward. No ordinance has been adopted. The topic was referred back to committee for further study and future recommendations.

Watch the City Council Meeting discussing Artificial Turf