Arcata is ‘Committed to Reducing Waste from Single-Use Disposable Foodware’

This is a press release from the City of Arcata:

The City of Arcata is committed to reducing waste from single-use disposable foodware. 

The Arcata City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1527 in February 2020 to establish regulations related to single-use disposable foodware items. The ordinance is meant to reduce the number of single-use plastic items that contribute to street litter, marine pollution, wildlife injuries, greenhouse gas emissions, and landfill waste. The ordinance is applicable to all food service establishments including, but not limited to: restaurants, grocery stores, bars, cafes, food vendors, and cafeterias. The City has provided outreach to food service establishments to assist in this transition. 

Ordinance No. 1527 requires that disposable foodware be composed of fiber-based compostable material and that accessory foodware (e.g. utensils, straws, etc.) are only available by request. It also allows for customer-owned containers, which are clean, dry, and constructed for reuse, to be filled by food services establishments. Food vendors may deny reusable foodware that does not meet these standards. If customers bring reusable foodware for to-go food, they will receive a $0.25 discount on their order. Customers who utilize the non-reusable containers and accessory foodware from food vendors should expect a $0.25 fee on the order. Below are ways customers can help reduce single-use disposables: 

• Support local restaurants by communicating ahead of time about which containers are appropriate for an order. 
• Carry appropriate reusables when going out to eat or attending a festival. Always be prepared. 
• Spread the word to friends and family and encourage others to bring reusables too. 

Although effective March 5, 2020, the ordinance provisions enforcement date was delayed from January 1, 2021, until July 1, 2021. The fee and discount portion of the ordinance remain under delayed enforcement until January 2023. All other aspects of the ordinance are fully enforceable. 

For more information about the Single-Use Disposable Foodware Regulation ordinance, acceptable foodware materials, and FAQs, visit: cityofarcata.org/885/Disposable-Foodware-Regulations or contact the Environmental Services Department at 707-822-8184 and [email protected].