Half Moon Bay Seeks to Ban Foam Takeout Containers

Half Moon Bay tonight could join San Mateo County, Burlingame, Millbrae, Pacifica, San Bruno and South San Francisco in banning food vendors from using takeout containers made of plastic foam.

If the proposed city ordinance passes, vendors will have until Aug. 1 to comply.

Also known as polystyrene or by the brand name Styrofoam, plastic foam is neither biodegradable nor recyclable. The material is petroleum-based and can leach chemicals into the food or drink inside the container, according to the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency.

If passed, the proposed ordinance would, in essence, be adopting San Mateo County's code, which went into effect on July 1, 2008 for all county departments, agencies and contractors. In February, the county Board of Supervisors extended the ban to all unincorporated communities, including those on the Coastside. The ban in unincorporated areas around the county will take effect on July 1.

In place of plastic foam, the proposed ordinance requires vendors to use containers made of reusable, recyclable, compostable and/or biodegradable materials. Examples of such materials include paper, cardboard, corn startch, potato starch, and sugarcane.

The ordinance gives exceptions to prepackaged food and coolers or ice chests which  the owner intends to reuse.

The supports the proposal.

For the rest of tonight's city council meeting agenda, click here.

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the at 535 Kelly, Half Moon Bay.