Laserfiche WebLink
Enclosures: <br /> Millbrae ordinance and sample outreach materials. <br /> General Considerations: <br /> CEQA: Millbrae's ordinance includes an explanation of their exemption for the ordinance under <br /> California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). This negative declaration clarifies the city's <br /> obligations and the impact of the ordinance for legal purposes. <br /> Addressing Industry Opposition: Some plastics manufacturing corporations and their <br /> associations surprised cities early on by dispatching lobbyists to oppose these ordinances <br /> through letters and at public meetings. Now that cities expect this, it is easier to prepare to <br /> answer their arguments. Save The Bay can direct city staff to simple facts that refute plastic <br /> industry claims. Please see our Myth vs. Fact sheet for more information. <br /> Recycling as an alternative: A polystyrene ban ordinance work best in coordination with a <br /> city's litter abatement, composting and recycling programs. It's important to note that most food <br /> service plastics are not easily or affordably recycled, because of the material itself, the lack of a <br /> market for recycled polystyrene and especially because food service plastics are soiled. The <br /> California Integrated Waste Management Board has said "There is no meaningful recycling of <br /> food service polystyrene." (2004 report to the Legislature.) Changing current recycling programs <br /> to include recycling food service polystyrene is not recommended. <br /> Helping to achieve municipal environmental goals: Banning the use of polystyrene food <br /> containers can contribute to the overall environmental goals of municipalities. For those cities • <br /> and counties engaging in•Environmentally Preferable Purchasing or Extended Producer <br /> • <br /> Responsibility initiatives, a Styrofoam ban is a step toward achieving sustainable material <br /> consumption and disposal. Because polystyrene is a major component of water pollution <br /> coastal debris, eliminating its use will help municipalities attain their Zero Waste goals. Finally, a <br /> Styrofoam ban would address several components of a Climate Action Plan; eliminating this <br /> source of pollution will help protect wetland health, in turn protecting cities against rising sea <br /> levels. Reducing or eliminating local Styrofoam production also helps to reduce the amount of <br /> greenhouse gases entering the atmosphere. <br /> Please contact Save The Bay's Clean Bay Project program staff for additional resources, <br /> including sample ordinances, CEQA information, and examples of stakeholder outreach <br /> approaches and materials. <br /> Policy Department <br /> 510 -452 -9261 x118 <br /> • <br /> c lea n bav(ilsavesfbay. o rq <br /> Revised 1026/09 <br /> • <br /> California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB). Use and Disposal of Polystyrene in California (2004). <br /> 2 City and County of San Francisco, Food Service Waste Reduction Ordinance (Ordinance No 295 -06). <br /> 3 Implementation Strategy to Reduce & Prevent Ocean Litter (2008). <br /> MRP Section C.10, pages 84, 86. <br />