San Francisco’s proposed ban on Styrofoam under debate

SAN FRANCISCO (Scrap Monster): London Breed, the San Francisco Supervisor has forwarded a legislation to impose complete ban on Styofoam in the City. The ban is an extension of the current ban on food-service EPS items and would ban the use of any foam of EPS used in packaging materials as well as other products such as cups, plates, pool toys etc. The ban is currently under debate with environmentalist groups extending support amidst strong opposition by recycling industry participants.

According to San Francisco Chronicle report, passing of the legislation would ban the use of polystyrene material completely. However, EPS foam packages shipped out of the country would be exempted from the ban. The ban will be strictly administered by the San Francisco Department of Environment to ensure that non-compliant companies are fined heavily. The ban, if imposed, would be the most expansive ban on polystyrene by any US city, the report notes.

The supporters of the ordinance claims that polystyrene ban should be in place at the earliest since it kills marine life when it floats into oceans and could cause cancer and other health problems in humans. Jack Macy, the commercial zero waste coordinator for the San Francisco Department of the Environment also supported the proposed ban, saying that the extension of the ban is long overdue. The non-profit Sustainable San Francisco hopes that proposed bill will lead to a statewide ban on polystyrene.

On the other hand, EPS Industry Alliance argues that such claims are exaggerated. According to them, the city is "picking and choosing numbers” to make the problem look like it’s bigger than it is. Also, California Grocers Association notes that banning Styrofoam would be a mistake without a safe alternative in place.

The legislation is currently in the Board of Supervisors' Government Audit & Oversight Committee.