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EAC weighs bans versus education on single-use plastics; favors regional coordination and outreach
Summary
Members discussed options ranging from ordinance bans to education and coordinated regional approaches for single-use plastics and styrofoam; the group emphasized public outreach, hauler notifications, and updating township resources over immediate local bans.
The Environmental Advisory Council discussed approaches to single-use plastics and styrofoam—including ordinance bans, education and regional coordination—and largely favored an emphasis on outreach and consistent regional action.
Committee members reviewed examples from neighboring municipalities and noted that larger cities (cited on the record) show variable compliance with bans. One member suggested that instead of immediate prohibition, Lower Saucon should pair any regulatory steps with active education and clear implementation tools: "if we are passing the recycling ordinance and then immediately, like, internally start actually acting on it ourselves," which would include placing recycling bins in parks and using hauler bill inserts.
Members discussed practical measures haulers could take—annual bill inserts or a small flyer with each billing cycle—to reach every household served by private contractors. They also recommended the EAC update and centralize web resources explaining what can be recycled, drop-off locations and how to handle problematic items (e.g., styrofoam). Several members urged regional discussion so neighboring municipalities adopt compatible rules, making compliance simpler for residents and businesses.
No formal ordinance was adopted at the EAC meeting; members favored using outreach tools while monitoring regional initiatives before pursuing local bans.
