HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.1 Stopwaste Proposals to Regulate Disposable Food WareStopwaste.Org’s Proposals to Regulate Disposable Food WareJanuary 14, 2020
Background•StopWaste provided a memorandum on November 14, 2019 about two potential options for a single-use disposable food ware ordinance.•StopWaste memorandum includes a discussion on advantages and disadvantages of a countywide or model ordinance. •Memorandum includes implementation challenges such as concurrent SB 1383 implementation.
SB 1383, Short-Lived Climate Pollutants
Elements of a Countywide Ordinance•Basic ordinance–Reusable food ware required for all dine-in establishments.–Single-use food ware (plates, cups, bowls) and accessories (straws, utensils, condiment cups) must be Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certified compostable fiber.–Single-use accessories (straws, utensils, condiment cups) available only on demand/self-service.
Elements of a Countywide Ordinance•Comprehensive ordinance–$0.25 charge on single-use cups.–$0.25-0.50 charge per meal for to-go food ware if requested.
Ordinance OptionsAdvantages DisadvantagesCountywide Ordinance StopWaste would provide outreach, implementation and enforcement.No flexibility for the City.Countywide consistency. Requires additional funding from member agencies.Potential industry partnerships.Development may have bigger impact on StopWaste’s level of SB 1383 assistance.
Ordinance OptionsOrdinance Options Advantages DisadvantagesModel OrdinanceAllows City the most flexibility.May be more difficult for franchises to comply if countywide requirements are not uniform.City Staff would be responsible for outreach and enforcement.Inconsistent laws may lead to public confusion.Enforcement may be combined with stormwater business inspections.Development may impact StopWaste’s level of SB 1383 assistance.
Ordinance OptionsAdvantages DisadvantagesNo Ordinance Staff and StopWaste can focus on SB 1383 implementation.Single‐use food ware continues to be allowed.Shift towards reuse is delayed.Waste and litter reduction are delayed.
Community ConsiderationsStopWaste requests feedback on the following questions at the January 22, 2020 Board meeting:1. Is this an important issue for your community?2. If important, do you think it should be a countywide ordinance implemented by StopWaste, or a model ordinance that can be customized and implemented directly by cities?
Community Considerations3. If countywide, would your jurisdiction be willing to contribute resources to StopWaste in order to implement?4. If a model ordinance works better, is your jurisdiction able to take on its implementation/enforcement along with the requirements of SB 1383?
Conclusion•StopWaste has been a leader in waste reduction ordinances and a countywide or model food ware ordinance would further these efforts.•City Council discussion of the report and community considerations is requested in order to provide feedback for the StopWaste Board meeting on January 22, 2020.