Gaithersburg Enacts Ban on Polystyrene Disposable Food Service Products, Packaging

From City of Gaithersburg:

On July 18, the Gaithersburg Mayor and City Council amended Chapter 2 of the City Code related to the sale and use of polystyrene disposable food service products and packaging. The city’s ordinance, which now makes the legislation enacted by Montgomery County in January of 2015 applicable in the city, effectively bans the sale and use of foam containers such as bowls, plates, trays, cartons, cups, egg cartons, loose fill packaging and more. Expanded polystyrene (#6-PS), also known as foam or Styrofoam™, is not recyclable in Montgomery County.

“Creating a sustainable community is a key component of Gaithersburg’s strategic plan,” says Mayor Jud Ashman. “Joining Montgomery County in banning these materials that don’t break down in our landfills furthers our goal of protecting the environment and ensuring a high quality of life for future generations.”

The ordinance, which takes effect in Gaithersburg on Aug. 8, prohibits food service businesses from using #6-PS food service ware and requires them instead to use compostable or recyclable disposable food service ware. It prohibits the sale of #6-PS food service products and loose fill packaging (also known as packing peanuts) and also requires city agencies, contractors and lessees to use compostable or recyclable food service ware. Enforcement will begin Jan. 1, 2017, allowing establishments an opportunity to deplete existing inventories. Montgomery County has provided a list of vendors that offer affordable recyclable or compostable food service ware products.

Food service businesses impacted by this ordinance include full and limited-service restaurants, fast food restaurants, cafes, delicatessens, coffee shops, supermarkets, grocery stores, vending trucks and carts, food trucks and business and institutional cafeterias. The law applies to not-for-profit organizations, to all retailers within the City of Gaithersburg, to food service operated by or on behalf of the City of Gaithersburg and other businesses selling or providing food within the city for consumption on or off the premises.

Further information is available through the city website.

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