Marin County Board adopts Plastic Free July resolution after presentations from interns and Zero Waste Marin

The Marin County Board of Supervisors on July 8 adopted a resolution recognizing Plastic Free July and urging residents to reduce single‑use plastics, following presentations from county interns and representatives of Zero Waste Marin and related local initiatives.

The presentations emphasized local waste trends and practical steps residents can take. An intern in Supervisor Sackett’s office, Bridal Pamina, outlined county waste statistics and everyday swaps; Kimberly Scheible, executive director of Zero Waste Marin, described the organization’s role in coordinating county jurisdictions and promoting source reduction. County staff introduced Julie Bryant as the new county waste management program manager and described updated, clearly labeled waste‑sorting stations installed across the Civic Center and at the Marin County Fair.

The presentations gave local context. Pamina said county disposal rose modestly between 2022 and 2023 and described the Plastic Free July challenge as a worldwide campaign encouraging consumers to reduce single‑use plastic by choosing reusable alternatives. Zero Waste Marin’s Scheible highlighted that only a small share of global plastic has been recycled historically and cited county and state waste characterization studies showing plastic still makes up a measurable portion of landfill materials. Scheible urged residents to use reusables, buy in bulk, and check recycling rules with local haulers.

A range of community groups offered public comment in support of the resolution. Madeline Nieto Hope, project coordinator for Cleaner California Coast, described regional public‑education and cleanup work across Marin, Sonoma and Mendocino counties and urged renewed cooperation on reuse infrastructure and SB 1383 compliance. Holly Eberhard of the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin and Scott Tai of Surfrider Foundation also spoke in favor of the resolution and local regulatory steps to reduce plastic at its source.

Board members thanked presenters and community partners and discussed local implementation. Supervisor Rodoni noted the county’s 2023 reusable foodware ordinance and said he intends to reconvene staff and partner organizations “later in the summer” to reimagine and restart program outreach to businesses that remain unclear about compliance. Several supervisors praised the Civic Center and fair waste‑sorting signage and the county’s employee training and reusable lunch kits.

The vote: Supervisor Rodoni moved to adopt the resolution; Supervisor Lukin seconded. On a roll call vote the board recorded unanimous approval (Supervisor Lukin — aye; Supervisor Colbert — aye; Supervisor Rodoni — aye; President Sackett — aye; Supervisor Moulton Peters — aye). The board invited presenters and community partners to a group photograph after the vote. The board will continue outreach and program development, including workshops, waste audits and education tied to the county’s climate and waste goals.

Why it matters: The resolution formalizes county support for a global public awareness campaign and reinforces implementation of state law and local rules aimed at reducing organic waste and single‑use plastics. The county emphasized education and operational changes — signage, staff training and a new waste manager — as the immediate steps to help residents and businesses meet state requirements and local climate targets.

The board also directed continuing outreach to businesses and a refreshed approach to the reusable foodware ordinance to increase compliance and clarity for merchants and food vendors.