NEW Single Use Plastic Foodware Ban Ordinance: Assistance to Businesses
On June 11, 2019, the City of Sausalito unanimously passed a Single-Use Plastic Ban (Ordinance No. 1271) to go into effect on June 11, 2020. However, due to COVID-19 the compliance date has been pushed out to early 2021. In these uncertain times the Sausalito Sustainability Commission would like to support your business with the transition away from single-use plastic foodware.
We understand the difficult circumstances business owners in Sausalito face, and therefore we would like to offer you a free of charge consultation and a free starter kit to help you comply with this new mandate. To request the free starter kit, refer to page 4.
The Sausalito ordinance is part of a county-wide effort and our Sustainability Commission would like to collaborate with you in preparation for the Marin County foodware ordinance, which will soon prohibit single-use plastics at food establishments. Both the Sausalito ordinance and the proposed Marin County ordinance state that all food businesses are required to make the move away from disposable single-use plastic to non-plastic alternatives like those made of fiber. Specifically, businesses will be required to switch from plastic straws, plastic bags, plastic cutlery, and plastic clamshells. Non-plastic alternative items should only be provided upon request.
OVERVIEW OF ORDINANCE
What is single-use plastic foodware?
- Single-use plastic means any item made of plastic, including certified compostable plastic. This includes beverage straws, cutlery, and all containers, bowls, plates, trays, and other items designed for one-time use for prepared food, including containers for take-out food
and leftovers.
Who does this law apply to?
- Food vendors, indoor and outdoor food establishments; restaurants, cafeterias, coffee houses, including those that offer delivery or take-out services.
- Events held on City of Sausalito property, and/or events sponsored by the City of Sausalito.
- Marin County will begin enforcing the county-wide ordinance in 2021.
Why was this law passed? What’s the problem with plastic foodware?
- A ban on plastic foodware will help Sausalito reduce plastic litter.
- Plastic utensils and plastic food containers are not recyclable in the City of Sausalito.
- Plastic is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions when produced, shipped, and landfilled. Plastic, therefore, contributes to climate change.
- Compostable plastics do not biodegrade in a marine environment nor in the commercial composting facility used by Bay Cities Refuse – Sausalito’s waste hauler. Thus, compostable plastics need to be landfilled and are not an acceptable alternative to regular plastic.
USAGE AND PURCHASING GUIDE
If you have any questions about the Single-Use Plastic Ban please contact the
Sausilito Sustainability Commission: sustaincomm@sausalito.gov
Approved ordinance:
https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/Sausalito/ords/Ord_1271.pdf
ASSISTANCE TO BUSINESSES & FREE STARTER KIT WORKSHOP INFORMATION
The City of Sausalito’s Sustainability Commission is committed to assisting our businesses in compliance with the Single-Use Plastic Ban Ordinance. In a couple of weeks, you will receive information on foodware compliant vendors. For now, we would like to offer you a free consultation and a free starter kit.
Sign up for free starter kit and consultation online at:
https://tinyurl.com/plasticbansupport or text or call (415) 494-9715
The Starter Kit will include the following ordinance compliant foodware:
- Fiber-based cutlery (knives, spoons, forks)
- Recycled content paper bag
- Fiber-based clamshells
- Sample straws
In addition, the Sausalito Sustainability Commission will be conducting a workshop to help businesses comply with the mandate. To sign up for the workshop, please visit the starter kit link above and complete the form or call (415) 494-9715.
If you have any questions about the Single-Use Plastic Ban, please contact the Sausilito Sustainability Commission: sustaincomm@sausalito.gov