Council Approves Plastic Foam Ban

The Burlingame City Council on Monday night unanimously approved an ordinance banning the use of plastic foam and other polystyrene products by food vendors in the city.

This decision comes after held to educate the public on the harms of polystyrene and aMonday night. Polystyrene often is referred to by the brand name Styrofoam.

“This is something I’ve looked forward to for several years,” said Vice Mayor Jerry Deal. “I’m much in favor of this ordinance.”

Instead of creating their own ordinance, city council members opted for adoption of a polystyrene ban in unincorporated San Mateo County set to go into effect July 1.

That means the regulations will be enforced by the County during regular health inspections or as complaints arise, and Burlingame is able to save the cost of enforcement agents.

The new ordinance for Burlingame will go into effect Jan. 1, 2012.

Community Development Director William Meeker said the ordinance will have a soft roll out to allow vendors to use up their polystyrene food products, such as bowls, cups and carry-out containers,  and grow accustomed to the new regulations.

“The sixth-month lag gives us more time to inform our community and gives the county more time to ramp up its enforcement efforts,” said Meeker.

If any changes are made to the County ordinance, Burlingame will be informed and can opt out of the ordinance if city officials disagreed.

The ordinance covers all food vendors, including restaurants, delis, cafés and markets. The only exception to the rule is in prepackaged foods, such as meats found at the grocery store, where polystyrene still is allowed.

With this new ban, city officials hope to cut down on the harmful effects of polystyrene on the environment and individuals. Chemicals used in the material have been linked to cancer and can possibly leak out of the containers into the foods or drinks they hold. Likewise, these chemicals seep into the ground when entering landfills or littered on the streets.

“We have been told that the polystyrene products are the second-most-common contaminant found in the environment,” said Mayor Terry Nagel. “I’d like to see that go away.”

Stephen Knight, political director of Save the Bay, attended the meeting to commend the council on putting the ordinance in place, noting nearby cities, such as Millbrae, passed similar ordinances. Save the Bay is a group committed to maintaining the health of the San Francisco Bay through cleaning up trash and pollutants.

“I want to thank the mayor and the council for moving this issue forward,” he said. ‘Thank you for your leadership.”

Also at the meeting, the council approved the 2010 Urban Water Management Plan and making a 1.5 percent adjustment to the 2011-2012 storm drainage fee.

To watch the entire council meeting, click here.