(North County Beat) – In a recent report, it was revealed that a staggering 80% of the trash collected during 2023’s countywide volunteer beach and park cleanups was plastic. In response to this growing issue, Encinitas is moving forward with plans to mandate that restaurants and retailers utilize only compostable or reusable foodware.
The city’s environmental commission has proposed amendments to enhance the plastic ordinance established in 2020, which currently prohibits disposable styrofoam foodware and plastic straws. The existing law permits various single-use plastic items, including knives, forks, and plates, commonly used by food providers. If approved by the city council, the revised regulations will require establishments to adopt alternative materials for cups, plates, bowls, trays, take-out containers, stir sticks, lid plugs, straws, and utensils. Notably, dine-in establishments will be limited to reusable foodware, with exceptions for certain single-use compostable straws, paper napkins, foil liners, and paper trays. Customers will also be encouraged to bring their own reusable containers.
For take-out services, traditional recyclable or compostable plastics will be banned. Only natural fiber-based compostable materials such as paper, wood, sugar cane, or bamboo will be permitted, alongside aluminum containers and foil.
Retailers will also need to comply with the new regulations, ensuring that foodware items sold without food are made from natural fiber-based compostable materials or aluminum, effectively eliminating traditional plastics.
The proposal includes plans for outreach to local businesses to gather feedback on the impact of these changes on costs and available products. Commissioners noted the overwhelming variety of materials available, while also acknowledging the increasing presence of truly compostable and plastic-free options.
A staff report highlights that California’s upcoming AB201, known as the Better Composting Standards Act, will establish legal definitions for labeling items as compostable. Until January 1, 2026, fiber-based compostable foodware must be certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute. After this date, items must carry a “compostable” label as defined by AB 1201.
Cities such as Carlsbad already require foodware to meet the composting capabilities of their waste haulers, ensuring a clear legal definition of “compostable.”
Encinitas’ waste hauler, EDCO, has expressed support for the initiative, aiming to reduce landfill waste and promote composting through their anaerobic digester. EDCO General Manager Jim Ambroso emphasized the need to eliminate plastics, stating, “They’re everywhere. This change is a step in the right direction, but it will be a huge challenge to ensure materials don’t end up in the wrong bin.”
Ambroso added, “Until we have widespread compliance and can guarantee that only non-plastic materials are placed in green containers, we will continue to have work ahead of us.”
