Plastic Foam Packaging Banned in Concord, CA

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): Concord, CA has joined more than 100 other California cities in banning plastic foam packaging. Starting January 1, 2019, the city will be removing as much Styrofoam-type products from the waste stream as possible. The city is giving restaurants and other food distributors, including schools and hospitals, more than five months to clear out existing inventories of plastic foam containers. The Concord ordinance will not cover plastic straws, stir sticks or plastic cup lids. Alternatives to plastic foam for containers include compressed paper and other plant fibers, and even wooden and clear compostable containers.

Also planned before January 1 is outreach to the community and the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce as well as the Monument Outreach Community Services will be important partners in telling local businesses about the ban. Enforcement will be based on complaints the city receives; there will be no active search for ban violations.

In the East Bay, most Alameda County cities already have such bans, including in unincorporated areas. In Contra Costa County, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Martinez, Pittsburg, Richmond and Walnut Creek also prohibit the containers and trays.

Courtesy: https://wasteadvantage.com