Expanded Ban on Single-Use Plastics

October 22, 2018 9:09 AM
by Andrew Basmajian

This article originally appeared in the October edition of Seascape. 

In August, Santa Monica City Council approved a revision to the 2007 Nonrecyclable Plastic Food Service Container Ordinance. This revision expands the list of banned plastics to include all single-use plastics for prepared foods, including straws, lids, utensils, plates, bowls, trays, containers, stirrers, cups and lid plugs. This vote aligns with the City’s sustainability goals and long-standing commitment to the environment, which includes a goal to achieve zero waste through diversion, composting and recycling by 2030.

“As a beach city, our use of single-use plastics pose serious problems for the natural environment, including polluting the ocean and clogging landfills,” said Chief Sustainability Officer Dean Kubani. “With this vote, the City Council ensures that Santa Monica continues to lead efforts to protect the environment by being one of the first cities to ban all plastic food serviceware, including cups and lids.”

The revisions to this ordinance protect the Santa Monica Bay from plastic pollution while reducing landfill waste. The ordinance requirements will go into effect January 1, 2019. The City’s Office of Sustainability and the Environment staff will conduct workshops and other outreach activities before 2019, to provide information and assistance to food and beverage providers in identifying disposable food serviceware that is marine degradable, and in locating suppliers of alternative products. For additional information, please visit sustainablesm.org/foodware.

Authored By

Andrew Basmajian
Sustainable Outreach Coordinator