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Board discusses banning expanded polystyrene and a 'by‑request' single‑use policy
Summary
Members proposed ordinances to ban expanded polystyrene food containers, idling restrictions near schools, and a 'by‑request' policy for single‑use utensils and condiments; proponents cited public‑health and precedents in other cities and states.
The board discussed three specific ordinance ideas proposed by the chair: ban expanded polystyrene (styrofoam) foodservice containers, enact anti‑idling rules near schools, and implement a 'by‑request' policy that would stop automatically handing out single‑use utensils and condiments.
"The banned styrofoam or expanded polystyrene is pretty common throughout the country ... focused on food and cups," the chair said, noting that multiple U.S. cities and a number of states have enacted similar bans. Supporters argued the measures would reduce toxic exposures and long‑term cleanup costs, while staff and members noted coordination with the city's strategic plan and assessment of implementation impacts would be needed.
