After blocking polystyrene at city facilities and events last year, Pasadena’s ban on the popular takeout packaging expands to restaurants and other food sellers, starting Tuesday, Aug. 22.
Polystyrene, often referred to by the brand Styrofoam, is lightweight and easily carried by the wind into wetlands, creeks and waterways.
“These materials do not decompose, but can easily break into small pieces that are mistaken by birds, fish and other animals, and when consumed, can cause illness or death,” William Boyer, Pasadena’s spokesman, said in a written announcement about the expansion.
Pasadena’s City Council gave food providers one year to comply after approving the ban last year. The ordinance doesn’t apply to packaging for uncooked meat, poultry, fish, eggs or fresh produce.
City officials estimated the switch to plastic and paper alternatives could run about 4 cent per unit. That could cost as much as $20,000 annually for some of the city’s most popular takeout joints, but for the average dine-in restaurant it will come in at less than $3,000 per year, according to presentation last year by Gabriel Silva, Pasadena’s environmental programs manager.
Trash haulers do not recycle polystyrene because of the cost is too high, Silva said.
Opponents say the ban hurts small businesses and fails to have a lasting impact because many of the alternatives contain plastic. The decision adds to the strain on businesses from increases to minimum wage, sick leave and health care costs, they said.
Starting Tuesday, Aug. 22, all restaurants and food retailers are required to use alternatives, such as re-usable and cleanable service ware; paper plates, bowls and cups; and other decomposable products.
Violations of the ban can be reported to the Pasadena Citizen Service Center by calling 626-744-7311, or through the center’s website.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article has been edited to correct the day the polystyrene ban takes effect.
