Council directs staff to draft Green Committee foodware and waste ordinance updates

The Calistoga City Council directed staff Aug. 4 to draft municipal code amendments proposed by the Green Committee to update foodware and waste reduction rules in light of changes at Upper Valley Disposal.

Green Committee Chair Antoinette Maillard said updates are primarily housekeeping to clarify which materials are compostable or recyclable locally (for example, PLA and some coated containers are not accepted), to expand the set of recyclable rigid plastics accepted, and to reduce contamination. The committee also recommended banning bag liners in recycling bins because Upper Valley will not empty lined recycling containers and will send their contents to landfill; for organics, the committee recommended that commercial and city bins be unlined or use only BPI‑certified compostable liners.

Maillard also proposed requiring conspicuous checkout signage informing customers of the 25¢ carryout bag charge to increase awareness and reduce single‑use bag usage; a local grocery (Cal Mart) has voluntarily used such signage. Council members supported directing staff to draft ordinance language, requesting staff analysis of enforcement mechanics and fiscal impacts for commercial and city properties.

Council voted to direct staff to draft amendments using the committee’s draft ordinance and to return with staff and attorney review and any fiscal information. The motion passed with council support.

What’s next: staff will review the draft ordinance, assess enforcement and cost implications, coordinate with Upper Valley Waste Management, and return to council with a formal draft ordinance for final approval.