Laserfiche WebLink
► � _ t7! $ . " ffaa • <br /> agg %id' YK Y•Ci �� I+Y. U•i''G�I Av 44 $u 8. <br /> Program Action: Require the use of biodegradable food containers <br /> Situation Analysis: <br /> Plastic take -out containers are a major component of urban litter. These products are usually <br /> - polystyrene or expanded polystyrene (such as Styrofoam), and often wind up in the Bay, where <br /> • they break into small pieces fragment and leach toxins into the water. Take -out food and <br /> beverage containers, like Styrofoam cups, are some of the most ubiquitous trash items fouling <br /> the Bay and local waterways. Foamed polystyrene and plastic food packaging are also one of <br /> the biggest culprits in clogging municipal storm drains. These types of plastics and Styrofoam <br /> never biodegrade and will remain with us for thousands of years, harming wildlife and polluting <br /> our shores. <br /> Studies have found that styrene, a cancer - causing and neurotoxic component of polystyrene, <br /> can leach into food and drink, posing a human health risk. A Danish study that examined the <br /> environmental impacts of various packaging materials (in the categories of energy consumption, <br /> greenhouse gas effect, and total environmental effect) determined that polystyrene has the <br /> second highest impact, behind aluminum.' Styrofoam products also pose a health threat to <br /> wildlife. At least 162 marine species worldwide have been reported to have consumed <br /> polystyrene and other litter. Wildlife that eat polystyrene suffer from loss of appetite, reduced <br /> nutrient absorption, and starvation <br /> Polystyrene food service products have no appreciable recycling market. New products use only <br /> virgin, petroleum -based material with no recycled content. • • <br /> Affordable alternatives include paper products with recycled content and re- useable, washable <br /> • cups and containers. In addition, a wide variety of plastic -like containers made from non - <br /> petroleum -based sources like corn starch are available. Combined with an effective commercial <br /> compost program, these alternatives can reduce landfill loads and polystyrene and petroleum - <br /> based plastic pollution in the Bay and ocean. <br /> State agencies have stressed the need to address urban litter through legislation and municipal <br /> ordinances. The California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) proposes a ban on polystyrene <br /> food containers as one of the top three priority actions for reducing marine debris.' Additionally, <br /> under the Water Board's 2009 Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit (MRP), permitees <br /> are repeatedly encouraged to include "any trash reduction ordinances that are being <br /> implemented" as part of their trash control measures and best management practices. There <br /> have been high levels of public support for ordinances to eliminate polystyrene take -out food <br /> ware. <br /> • <br />