TITLE
Recommendation to request City Attorney to prepare an ordinance amending the Long Beach Municipal Code to prohibit the use of single-use food and beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene foam, rigid polystyrene #6, and non-recyclable and non-compostable material for prepared food distribution. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On December 20, 2016, the City Council requested the City Attorney to draft an Ordinance relating to the use of single-use polystyrene food and beverage containers. This request also included referral to the Environmental Committee to conduct public outreach, and directed the City Manager to work with City staff and community stakeholders to develop a public education campaign. Additionally, the motion requested the City Manager to work with the Economic Development Commission to develop financial incentives for local businesses that implement the resulting policy before it takes effect.
The City's efforts to prevent and abate litter and promote environmental responsibility have been ongoing. In 2005, the City Council presented a recommendation to study an EPS Ordinance to preserve the local environment and promote sustainable practices in Long Beach. In 2006, the Environmental Services Bureau (ESB) developed the Litter-Free Long Beach program. This program aims to reduce litter in the City through cleanup events, business outreach, and community-wide education. In 2011, the City adopted a ban of single-use plastic bags. In 2016, the Long Beach Clean Team was created to further enhance the City's efforts to remove litter, as well as illegally dumped items. In 2017, the City Council voted to support SB 705 to prohibit the distribution of EPS foodware statewide.
Polystyrene is a petroleum-based plastic polymer used in packaging and disposable foodware items. One form is EPS foam, a lightweight material made of pre-expanded polystyrene beads. EPS foodware is used in the food service industry because of its low cost and insulating pro...
Click here for full text