10B Action 2011 0919 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Attachment 1 AV ' IM O E I AY Clean Bay Project Model Program Action Require the use of compostable food containers The Goal: Reduce plastic and styrofoam pollution in the Bay and local waterways The Situation: Plastic food service containers are a major component of urban litter. These products are usually polystyrene or expanded polystyrene (such as Styrofoam), and often wind up in the Bay, where they break into small pieces and leach toxins into the water. Take -out food and beverage containers, like Styrofoam cups, are some of the most ubiquitous trash items fouling the Bay and local waterways. Foamed polystyrene and plastic food packaging are also one of the biggest culprits in clogging municipal storm drains. These types of plastics and Styrofoam never biodegrade and will remain with us for thousands of years, harming wildlife and polluting our shores. Studies have found that styrene, a cancer - causing and neurotoxic component of polystyrene, can leach into food and drink, posing a human health risk. A Danish study that examined the environmental impacts of various packaging materials (in the categories of energy consumption, greenhouse gas effect, and total environmental effect) determined that polystyrene has the second highest impact, behind aluminum.' Styrofoam products also pose a health threat to wildlife. At least 162 marine species worldwide have been reported to have consumed polystyrene and other litter. Wildlife that eat polystyrene suffer from loss of appetite, reduced nutrient absorption, and starvation. Polystyrene food service products have no appreciable recycling market Companies that claim to accept polystyrene foam for recycling will only accept materials that are free of food residue, which effectively renders polystyrene foam food ware unrecyclable. Affordable alternatives include paper products with recycled content and re- useable, washable cups and containers. In addition, a wide variety of plastic -like containers made from non - petroleum -based sources like corn starch are available. Combined with an effective commercial compost program, these alternatives can reduce landfill loads and polystyrene and petroleum - based plastic pollution in the Bay and ocean. State agencies have stressed the need to address urban litter through legislation and municipal ordinances. The California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) proposes a ban on polystyrene food containers as one of the top three priority actions for reducing marine debris . Additionally, under the Water Board's 2009 Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit (MRP), permitees are repeatedly encouraged to include "any trash reduction ordinances that are being implemented" as part of their trash control measures and best management practices. There have been high levels of public support for ordinances to eliminate polystyrene take -out food ware. Require the use of compostable food containers