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Yarmouth Board of Health allows local businesses to exhaust existing plastic stock with staggered expiration dates
Summary
The Town of Yarmouth Board of Health on May 4 approved temporary waivers letting several local food and hospitality businesses use existing plastic cutlery, cups and containers while they complete transitions to compostable products; waivers carry staggered expiration dates through October–December 2026.
The Town of Yarmouth Board of Health voted on May 4 to grant temporary waivers allowing multiple local businesses to use existing stocks of plastic utensils, cups and related containers while they convert to compostable alternatives.
The waivers were requested by individual businesses and business representatives who said most other products already have been converted to compostable materials but that supply, cost and franchise-approval timelines created short-term challenges. Pracha, calling in for Basil Thai Cuisine, asked for extra time to use existing cutlery and cups; Scott Brewer moved to approve an extension through Sept. 30, 2026 and Mary Craig seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
Peter Patel requested a waiver on behalf of Ambassador Inn and Suites, The Mariner Resort and All Seasons, saying those locations had converted other items but still had cutlery in stock; the Board approved a waiver through Oct. 31, 2026 on a motion by Mary Craig, seconded by Scott Brewer. Scott Lopes of Cape FlatsPizza requested a one- to two-month waiver for cutlery, salad containers and 3-ounce portion cups; the Board granted a waiver through July 31, 2026 (motion by Mary Craig, seconded by Scott Brewer).
Donna Murray said The Friday Club, a seasonal nonprofit, buys supplies in bulk and requested permission to use existing cutlery, soup containers and clam shells through the end of the year; the Board approved a waiver through Dec. 31, 2026 (motion by Scott Brewer, seconded by Mary Craig). Alan Davis of Cape Cod Creamery described difficulty finding spoon alternatives in the quantities needed and received an extension through Oct. 12, 2026 (motion by Laurance Venezia, seconded by Scott Brewer). Damian Grozier (general manager) and owner John Kesaris of Hole in One said replacing branded cold cups would impose a financial burden; the Board approved a waiver through Oct. 12, 2026 for 16-, 24- and 32-ounce cold cups, lids and existing cutlery (motion by Laurance Venezia, seconded by Mary Craig).
Board members framed the votes as temporary, aimed at accommodating supply and cost constraints while preserving the Town’s move toward compostable products. Assistant Health Director Barry Lewis said staff will track variances and waivers and report back; Board Chair duties were handled by the members present for the vote. The Board approved a motion that staff maintain a tracking spreadsheet of issued waivers and their expiration dates.
The Board’s actions were unanimous for the waivers recorded on May 4. Many petitioners said they had already moved other packaging to compostable options and requested these extensions to avoid waste and excessive cost. The Board scheduled follow-ups and required absent businesses (a representative from Sea Dog Brew Pub/Cafe did not attend) to appear at the May 18 meeting for compliance review.
The Board adjourned after routine business; minutes from March 16, 2026 were approved as presented.
