Environmental Impact of Single-Use Plastics
Locally, the Northcoast Environmental Center reported picking up approximately 2,248 single-use plastic foodware products during their 2023 Coastal Clean-up Month Event. A staggering 8,372 pieces of trash, weighing approximately 1,559 pounds, were collected from just 19.5 miles of coastal areas. Plastic pollution in our oceans is only part of the problem. Single-use plastics not only create a litter and pollution issue; they also contribute to the climate crisis by contributing to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions via materials extraction, product production, and waste disposal.
Ordinance Provisions
Effective since October 1, 2015:
- Prohibition on the sale and distribution of polystyrene (styrofoam) disposable foodware.
- Exemptions:
- Pre-packaged food (ex. ramen noodles in a polystyrene cup or pre-packaged food sold at a grocery store).
- Medical supplies and services.
- Products made from polystyrene that are wholly encapsulated or encased by a more durable material (ex. surfboards, boats, life preservers, etc.).
Effective starting March 5, 2020:
- Food Vendors with proper dishwashing capacity must use reusable foodware for on-site dining.
- Disposable foodware such as paper food wrappers, napkins, straws, and paper liners are allowed for on-site dining but must be fiber-based compostable.
- Accessory foodware must be provided upon request or at a self-serve station.
- Accessory foodware includes straws, stirrers, napkins, and utensils; condiment cups and packets; cup sleeves, tops, lids, and spill plugs; and any other similar accessory or accompanying foodware item used as part of food or beverage service packaging.
- Disposable cups for delivery services may include tops, spill plugs, and sleeves without request.
- Food vendors offering condiments are encouraged to use dispensers rather than pre-packaged disposable condiment packages.
- All single-use disposable foodware, including accessory foodware, must be fiber-based compostable and free of fluorinated chemicals (PFAS).
- Disposable foodware composed entirely of aluminum is exempt.
- Food Vendors must charge a $0.25 fee for takeout food and beverage served in single-use disposable foodware.
- All customers demonstrating a payment card or voucher issued by the California Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) or an Electronic Benefits Transfer card (EBT) are exempt from the disposable foodware charge.
- The $0.25 fee is per customer order, NOT per item. For example, if a customer orders two cups of coffee to go, then the customer would only be charged $0.25.
- Food Vendors must offer a minimum $0.25 discount for customers who bring their own reusable foodware for takeout food and beverages.
- In accordance with the California Health and Safety Code, food vendors may refuse, at their sole discretion, any customer-provided reusable foodware that is cracked, chipped, corroded, appears inappropriate in size, material, or condition for the intended beverage or food item, or that appears to be excessively soiled or unsanitary.
Acceptable Foodware Materials
- Reusable (metal, glass, ceramic, etc.)
- Wood
- Food-based (pasta, wheat, etc.)
- Composed entirely of aluminum
- Paper or plant fiber (sugarcane, bamboo, rice, etc.)
- Fiber-based materials must not contain fluorinated chemicals (PFAS) and have no bioplastic (PLA) or wax lining.
Click here to find an ongoing list of various vendors and brands that offer different fiber-based compostable items. This list is meant to act as a resource as businesses begin to explore the different alternatives on the market, and is subject to change. Always double-check with vendors if you have any questions about the materials used in a product.
Why are compostable plant-based plastics not acceptable?
Polylactic acid, or PLA, is a plastic material made from plants instead of traditional petroleum-based plastics. If certified compostable, this material can only be composted in a commercial composting facility with high heat and processing. Unfortunately, no such facility exists within Humboldt County. When these PLA foodware products get into the natural environment, like our creeks and oceans, they act like traditional petroleum-based plastic.
What are fluorinated chemicals and why are they not acceptable?
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) are human-made chemicals used in a wide variety of products, often for non-stick, oil-resistant, and water-resistant properties. PFA does not easily break down and has been shown to accumulate in the environment and in our bodies. In addition, exposure to PFA has been linked to serious health impacts. Because of this, the City of Arcata does not allow foodware to contain PFA for the safety of our residents.
Exemptions
The City of Arcata will annually exempt specific disposable foodware products that do not yet have a fiber-based alternative on the market. Any non-conforming foodware types must be recyclable in the City of Arcata. Current exemptions are listed here:
- Hot liquid containers
- Cold cups
- Cup lids
- Soufflé cups - small cups typically used for samples or sauces
- Cutlery
- Grocery store pack-downs - Kitchen prepared sides, sauces, and additions to create whole meals for lunch or dinner, typically intended to have a longer shelf life than ready-to-eat take-out food
- Hot bar meal trays - containers used for storing ready-to-eat hot food, often found at hot bars located within grocery stores
Waivers
Food Vendors may request a waiver for specific disposable foodware items that the City of Arcata has not exempted if the food vendor can document that the purchase of a fiber-based item will cost 200% (3x) more than the purchase of their current disposable foodware item. If a specific disposable foodware item is granted a waiver, then it must be recyclable instead of fiber-based compostable.