New San Francisco ordinance: disposable food-service ware must be recyclable or compostable

A new San Francisco ordinance that the Sierra Club worked for has gone into effect. As of June 1, restaurants and other food vendors in San Francisco are no longer permitted to use polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) containers, and all disposable food-service ware (cups, plates, stirrers, utensils, take-out containers, etc.) must be either recyclable or compostable unless there is no suitable product that is within 15% of the cost of the alternative.

Many recyclable and compostable products are available, including those made from paper, polylactic acid, sugarcane, bamboo, and potato, corn, or soy starch (compostable); and aluminum foil and certain plastic tubs (recyclable). Businesses will save money by switching to these products, because their volume of garbage will be less. For take-out food, customers need to remember to recycle the materials, putting the compostables (look for the green stripe or sticker) into the green bin and the recyclables into the blue bin.

Customers can help significantly with implementation of the new ordinance: if you encounter non-compliant food vendors using polystyrene containers, let them know that they could be subject to fines and urge them to switch to compostable/recyclable food-service ware. Information and assistance is available from the San Francisco Department of the Environment at (415) 355-3700. Encourage eating establishments to provide receptacles for compostables and recyclables.

Remember, however, that reuse is even better for the environment than recycling and composting. Whenever possible, don't use disposables at all. Bring your own mug or reusable containers for take-out food or drink.

With everyone's help, implementation of the new ordinance can be assured, resulting in a healthier aquatic ecosystem, less trash, less petroleum dependence, and faster realization of the city's zero-waste goals.

Ruth Gravanis