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Board passes first‑reading ordinance to ban polystyrene foodware, requires compostable alternatives
Summary
The Board passed on first reading an ordinance prohibiting polystyrene foam disposable foodservice ware and requiring biodegradable, compostable or recyclable alternatives; the vote was 11–0 as amended.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed, on first reading as amended, an ordinance that would prohibit polystyrene foam disposable food service ware citywide and require restaurants, retail food vendors, city departments and contractors to use biodegradable, compostable or recyclable alternatives where affordable.
Supervisor Peskin, the ordinance’s lead, said the measure follows similar rules adopted in other California municipalities and would clarify local definitions. Peskin proposed an amendment to define “compostable” to mean compatible with San Francisco’s municipal composting program and moved to change the Department of the Environment reporting date, among other technical edits. “I do have one change … to clarify that compostable means that the product is compostable in San Francisco's municipal composting program,” Peskin said while handing out the amendment.
Peskin also said the measure had broad support from local business groups and environmental organizations; he cited support from the Golden Gate Restaurant Association and the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce during committee discussions.
The clerk recorded the vote: Supervisor Maxwell — aye; Supervisor McGoldrick — aye; Supervisor Mercarini — aye; Supervisor Paskin — aye; Supervisor Sandoval — aye; Supervisor Elliot Appear — aye; Supervisor Ammiano — aye; Supervisor Daley — aye; Supervisor Duffy — aye; Supervisor Ellsburn — aye; Supervisor Ma — aye (11 ayes). The ordinance passed on first reading as amended.
Why it matters: The ordinance would phase out polystyrene foam disposable foodservice ware for businesses and city contractors and require alternatives that can enter the city’s composting or recycling streams, with penalties for violations and a City Department of the Environment implementation plan.
Next steps: The ordinance passed first reading with amendments and will return for second reading and final adoption according to the city’s ordinance process.
