Foster City Takes Steps Toward Banning Styrofoam

At one time, styrofoam was one of the most commonly used materials in the country.

Today, more and more cities are banning its use - and Foster City may soon become one of them.

At its regular meeting on Thursday night, Foster City's Ad Hoc Environmental Sustainability Task Force voted unanimously to ban polystyrene - more commonly known as styrofoam - using the same ordinance as the County of San Mateo, which bans all types of polystyrene. More than 47 California jurisdictions, and more than 20 in the Bay Area, have already approved similar bans.

"It is a nonbiodegradeable and nonrecyclable material, a common element in litter, and has marine impacts," said Sally Liu, vice chair on the task force. "There is recognition by some businesses – such as Chula restaurant – that customers don't want to see polystyrene, and it's the right thing to do to use nonpolystyrene materials for use in take-out. And several businesses like Gilead have already made the swithc because they recognize the impact."

At its meeting on Thursday night, the task force reviewed a report from the City which highlighted the pros and cons of such an ordinance. A summary of that report is included with this article; page 26 shows similar ordinances that nearby cities have in effect.

"It's a pretty broadly accepted ordinance throughout the county," said Chris Messina, CEO of the Foster City Chamber of Commerce.

Messina said it is important to note that this ordinance would not only affect and promote change at food service businesses, but many other types of businesses as well, such as the kitchens at Gilead and more.

"There is a much bigger challenge than just the restaurants," Messina said. "We unofficially support the effort and we will do some personal outreach."

The success of the ordinance, however, is very much dependent on education and awareness in the community.

"A ban on polystyrene does not ensure that someone is going to properly dispose of it," said Alfre Vaille, an environmental sustainability intern in the city manager’s office. Vaille presented the report to the task force Thursday night.

Vaille added that the ban does not apply to the sale of material or prepackaged products, such as light fixtures that come packaged with polystyrene, as Messina pointed out.

Liu said there are many other options that businesses can switch over to, like biodegradable plastics.

She said the task force will continue to support the education process even after the ordianance's implementation.

The recommendation and staff report will be presented to the City Council during its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m., when the council will decide how to proceed.