Waste Reduction

Food Waste Service Ware Reduction

To prohibit the use of Polystyrene foam disposable food service ware for San Francisco food vendors and restaurants and promote the use of compostable/recyclable alternatives.

Topic Areas Addressed:

Waste Reduction

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Keywords:

waste reduction, waste, products, polystyrene, compost, san francisco

Submitting Jurisdiction:

City and County of San Francisco

Effective June 1, 2007, the Food Waste Reduction ordinance prohibits food vendors from selling prepared food in polystyrene foam, and requires them to use compostable or recyclable alternatives. The Ordinance recognizes the harmful effects of the chemicals in polystyrene foam on human health and the environment.

Acceptable compostable and/or recyclable products include:
• Paper or other plant fiber
• Polyethylene film coating on paper
• Properly labeled corn or other plant-based bio-plastics meeting compostability standards
• Aluminum foil
• Plastic containers

All disposable food service ware used in preparing and serving food within San Francisco must be from the above list unless the cost of the alternative exceeds the original, non-suitable products by 15%.

Public Outreach and Education:

San Francisco Department of the Environment provides assistance to businesses looking for alternative food service ware through free on-site training, and sent volunteer “Styro-busters” to over 3,000 food service locations with information compliance. The Department also produced an approved product list intended for public education, and conducted educational workshops in English, Chinese and Spanish.

Target Audience:

All San Francisco food vendors – restaurants, delis, fast food establishments, vendors at fairs, food trucks - as well as all city facilities and contractors

Measurable Outcomes:

By Spring 2009, compliance reached 94%. San Francisco’s recycling program takes all types of compostable and plastic food containers, which makes compliance considerably easier than in programs that accept a limited number of materials.

Fiscal Impacts:

By participating in the food scrap and compostables collection program, restaurants and other businesses are receiving discounts of up to 75% off their garbage service costs.

Legal Issues:

Violation of this Ordinance may result in a criminal fine, administrative penalty, or other civil enforcement action. Fines are levied following a warning, beginning at $100 with a maximum of $500 for repeat violations. The City Administrator leads enforcement efforts, with assistance from citizen complaints.