In some counties, plastics become ‘bagga non grata’

By Dan Miller
Staff Writer

“Paper or plastic?” It’s a question most people are asked on a regular basis, but a movement based out of California is removing one of those options.

Bans on traditional plastic bags, as well as polystyrene (Styrofoam) containers, have been popping up in many cities across the country, including the city and county of San Francisco, whose restriction of plastic bags will go into effect in November. A ban of Styrofoam food service ware began June 1. Meanwhile, Los Angeles County is exploring the possibility of enacting its own ban on Styrofoam containers.

According to Boris Delepine, legislative aide for Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi, San Francisco’s plastic bag restriction became effective May 20, but includes a six-month grace period for local supermarkets to make the switch. At the six-month mark, traditional plastic bags will be banned and replaced with compostable plastic bags or paper bags. The county, however, recommends the use of reusable canvas bags.

While supermarkets are required to make the switch within six months, major pharmacies will be required to comply within 12 months. Restaurants and other stores, Delepine said, are exempt for the time being. After the grace periods, businesses can be fined for each infraction.

Donna Dempsey, executive director of the Society of Plastics Industry’s Film and Bag Federation, is quick to point out that San Francisco didn’t outright ban plastic bags, as the compostable variety is still allowed.

“A lot of [people] and a lot of press called me and asked me ‘What do you think of San Francisco banning plastic bags?’” she said. “And that’s incorrect.”

Meanwhile, Delepine has been fielding calls from a variety of governments who are considering enacting similar laws.

“The public response has been overwhelmingly in favor of it,” he said. “We’ve seen a number of other jurisdictions take up similar legislation. And in the weeks and months after passage — actually to this day — I still get inquiries from cities and counties, and state legislatures across the country asking for copies of the legislation in the hopes that they would be able to do the same thing in their jurisdiction.”

He said that similar laws have been considered or introduced in cities including Portland, Ore., Boston, Seattle, Austin, Baltimore and the state of New York.

San Francisco’s ban of polystyrene containers went into effect June 1 and requires that all food vendors switch to biodegradable, compostable or recyclable containers. The ban spans from restaurants and delis to food trucks and fair vendors.

The penalties for non-compliance with the ban includes fine of up to $500 for multiple infractions.

Los Angeles begins to phase out Styrofoam

Los Angeles County passed a motion on May 22 that initiated a study to investigate the impact of prohibiting the purchase and use of Styrofoam containers at all county-owned facilities.

After 90 days, the county hopes to have recommendations on the earliest practical date for such a ban, as well as a description of a proposed outreach program to provide information and assistance in identifying environmentally friendly alternatives to Styrofoam.

The motion, sponsored by Supervisors Gloria Molina and Yvonne B. Burke, states that as one of the largest public agencies using Styrofoam food containers in the region, the county can substantially enhance the market for environmentally friendly alternatives by prohibiting the purchase and use of the containers.

By switching from Styrofoam, the county can set an example to encourage other jurisdictions and the private sector to implement similar strategies. In addition, the county would provide incentives for manufacturers to produce recyclable materials.

“[Styrofoam] ends up in our trash and in our waterways,” said Norma Garcia, environmental deputy to Molina. “Right now, fiscally, it’s costing the county many dollars to collect and dispose of the Styrofoam.   So the hope is to look at products to be used in county facilities that will replace Styrofoam that can be easily recycled or are biodegradable.”

According to Garcia, despite recycling half the trash the county generates, 38,000 tons of waste goes into landfills each day with that number expected to rise to almost 50,000 tons per day in 2020.

Research, goal-setting important before implementing bans

When it comes to implementing bans on products like Styrofoam containers and plastic bags, a key part of the process is identifying and researching the problem the government wants to solve, according to Jeremy O’Brien, director of applied research for the Solid Waste Association of North America.

“It’s interesting — you look at these bans and the first question you ask is what problem are they trying to solve?” he said. “Generally, they are things like litter or landfill space conservation, and you can evaluate the effectiveness of the ban based on the problem you’re trying to solve.”

Both O’Brien and Dempsey note that plastic bags take up less room in landfills than paper bags. Moreover, even though plastic bags are not biodegradable, O’Brien said that could be a good thing since biodegradable waste makes landfill gases like methane, which must then be treated.

“It’s important to look at the type of solid waste management system you have and how well it’s designed to handle the kinds of materials you’re considering banning,” O’Brien said. “List the reasons you’re banning the material, and do a good assessment of what impact the ban is going to have on the problem you’re trying to solve.”