Sonoma County supervisors will take a look at a long-delayed proposal to ban Styrofoam food containers and other products composed of polystyrene foam, a non-recyclable, non-biodegradable material frequently used in takeout packaging. The model ordinance, likely to return for a decision in late August, is part of a larger effort to both reduce the amount of trash that goes into the county landfill or litters the region’s landscape and promote recyclable, reusable or compostable alternatives.
“It is way past time,” said Supervisor Susan Gorin, who represents the county on Zero Waste Sonoma, the regional board that oversees solid waste management in the county.
Six of its cities — Sebastopol, Petaluma, Healdsburg, Cloverdale, Sonoma and Windsor — already have approved a model ordinance prohibiting use and sale of expanded polystyrene foam cups, bowls, clamshell containers and the like, as well as ice chests, water toys, packing peanuts and other packing materials made of the substance.
Any final ordinance approved by the Board of Supervisors would apply in the unincorporated area outside city limits. Similar ordinances also have been adopted in more than 120 other California cities.