The City of San Diego became the largest city in California to ban Styrofoam when the City Council voted 6 to 3 Tuesday, January 8 to approve a law that restricts the use of products made with polystyrene and plastic foam, like take-out containers, coolers and egg cartons.
Imperial Beach and Encinitas join San Diego within the County that also have adopted similar rules. Over 100 other California cities have such bans or restrictions.
The vote was to confirm the October 15 Council decision on the ban. And was on a party-line vote. The Democrats voted for it and the 3 Republicans voted against it, although two new Democratic councilwomen raised issues about the ban, centering on minority-owned businesses having hardships increased with the ban.
The new ordinance – due to go into effect probably in April 2019 – prevents restaurants and grocery stores from using plastic-foam food containers (often called “Styrofoam” – which is a brand name – referring actually to polystyrene).
In addition, it bans anyone from bringing polystyrene products to the beaches or city parks, and it prohibits restaurants from giving out any plastic straws or utensils, unless customers ask for them.
Restaurants that would have financial difficulty making the switch to alternative products can petition the the Environmental Services Department for a hardship waiver, which will be awarded on a case-by-case basis. Plus eateries with current contracts with styrofoam companies can petition the Department for a waiver so that agreements are not broken.
Fines for violating the law will be $200 for the first offense and $500 for subsequent offenses. NBC Los Angeles
There’s plenty of reasons to ban polystyrene. For a more in-depth look at how the vote exposed some differences among the Democratic Super-Majority on the Council, go to Voice of San Diego.
For a change, we can be proud of our City Council members! They have made our city the largest metropolis in the Golden State to take a stand against Styrofoam / polystyrene.
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