ENCINITAS — The city of Encinitas is seeking the public’s opinion on a proposed citywide ban on Styrofoam food service products.
The proposed ordinance, which the City Council will consider on Oct. 14, would prohibit restaurants in the city from serving food in expanded polystyrene food service ware — the generic name for Styrofoam.
Schools, food prepared outside of the city and food brought by individuals to parks and beaches — provided it is not as part of an event — are exempt from the proposed ordinance.
Restaurants can receive a six-month exemption if they entered into a contract within a year of the ordinance’s passage that requires Styrofoam products be used, and restaurants can also file for a yearlong hardship exemption.
The city will accept comment on the proposed ban both in writing and at two public meetings leading up to the public hearing. Staff will host a public meeting Sept. 28 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Poinsettia Room at City Hall, and the Environmental Commission will take comment on the proposed ordinance at its Oct. 8 meeting.
The deadline for written comment is Oct. 2.
