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Santa Barbara council adopts wide‑ranging single‑use materials ordinance, including Mylar balloon and polystyrene limits
Summary
The City Council approved an update to local single‑use materials rules that expands polystyrene restrictions, sets compostability standards for disposable foodware, limits small single‑use water bottles in retail, bans Mylar balloons and plastic/mylar confetti at sale or distribution in the city, and phases in reusable foodware requirements with exemptions and assistance for businesses.
The Santa Barbara City Council on Feb. 10 approved a broad update to the city’s single‑use materials rules that staff said aims to reduce litter, protect waterways and expand reuse options for food service.
Council approved an ordinance to amend Municipal Code chapters 9.16 and 9.165 and repeal chapter 9.15, a staff presentation said. The ordinance adds rigid polystyrene products to the city’s ban, establishes a compostability standard for disposable to‑go foodware, phases in reusable foodware requirements for on‑site dining, and prohibits retail sale and distribution of certain Mylar balloons and plastic/mylar confetti. The proposal also limits the sale and distribution of small (8‑fluid ounce) plastic water bottles and bars aseptic beverage containers at city facilities, staff said.
“Local ordinances can help reduce the impact of plastic on our community,” Daniela Rosales, Clean Community Division, said during the presentation,…
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