M E M O R A N D U M
To: Honorable Mayor and Town Council
From: Mary Ann Mixon, Council Member, Seat 1
Date: June 21, 2017
Re: Polystyrene Regulations for Town Contractors (Second Reading)
Changes between first and second reading are highlighted.
REQUEST
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AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF CUTLER BAY, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 14 OF THE TOWN CODE TO INCLUDE SECTION 14-1, "PROHIBITIONS REGARDING SALE OR USE OF EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE FOOD SERVICE ARTICLES BY TOWN CONTRACTORS;" PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
The production, use, and disposal of Polystyrene, more commonly known as Styrofoam, causes adverse environmental and health effects. The production of polystyrene is energy intensive, creating large amounts of greenhouse gases, ranking the environmental production costs of Styrofoam as second worst in the United States by the California Integrated Waste Management Board.
Polystyrene is a petroleum-based plastic, as was named as the fifth largest creator of hazardous waste by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Expanded polystyrene, is neither readily recyclable nor biodegradable. The biggest concern with polystyrene is the danger associated with Styrene, the basic ingredient in the product, which has been classified as a possible human carcinogen by the EPA and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Polystyrene materials constitute a portion of the litter in the Town's streets, parks, public spaces, and waterways. The Town does not currently prohibit the production, sale or use of polystyrene products, therefore the Town Council's goal is to replace the polystyrene food service articles with reusable, recyclable or compostable alternatives.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Town Council adopt the attached Resolution amending Chapter 14 of the Town Code, prohibiting ...
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