AgdaPkt 2012-02-06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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8. B. - Page 1 RE PO RT To the Honorable Mayor and City Council From the Cit Mana er February 6, 2012 SUBJECT Proposed Ordinance Promoting Sustainability By Banning Certain Polystyrene Products RECOMMENDATION Receive Report and Provide Direction Regarding Proposed Ordinance Banning Certain Polystyrene Product. BACKGROUND The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance prohibiting retail food vendors in unincorporated areas from using polystyrene-based containers, and requests that Redwood City adopt the same ordinance by reference. Polystyrene is often referred to by its Dow Chemical trademark "Styrofoam." It is a petroleum-based, lightweight plastic material with many uses and commonly used by retail food vendors for disposable take-out purposes. According to the County, polystyrene has been identified as an environmental pollutant in part because it is non- biodegradable and generally non-recyclable and non-reusable. Various state and federal agencies indicate that polystyrene persists in the environment indefinitely without breaking down and consequently is showing up on roads, waterways, and the ocean. The County is moving to reduce the daily use of disposable foodservice containers in order to help reduce the volume of this pollutant and related litter. The County's ordinance took effect July 1, 2011. It applies to the unincorporated areas of the County. The Board of Supervisors is encouraging all San Mateo County cities to adopt by reference the County's ordinance to create uniformity, and indicates that the County's regular restaurant inspectors can assist with education and enforcement. Additionally, the County would handle appeals and requests for exemptions. After ample opportunities to comply, any fines levied would go to the County, earmarked for use to supplement outreach and education around polystyrene. ANALYSIS The key parts of the County's ordinance are: • Banned products are single-use disposable products used in restaurants and the food service industry for serving and transporting prepared, ready-to-consume food and beverages including plates, bowls, trays, and hinged or lidded containers ("clamshells"), but excluding disposable packaging for unprepared food.