On Nov. 16, 2009, the Issaquah City Council adopted a new law to reduce landfill waste, litter and pollution by avoiding the use of disposable polystyrene and non-recyclable food service packaging.
The law requires – through a phased approach – food service businesses (including restaurants, grocers, coffee shops and other food sellers) to only use recyclable or compostable food service containers and service ware. In addition, the law provides resources to support local businesses and an 18-month period to help businesses make the transition.
Foods that are pre-packaged before they are received by a business are not included in this law.
When does the new law take effect?
The City is following a phased approach:
- January-October 2010 (Voluntary Phase):
- There are no mandatory requirements. The City will be assisting businesses with education, communications, customer awareness and incentives.
- October 2010-May 2011 (Phase 1):
- Polystyrene containers (sometimes called “Styrofoam”) are not allowed. Recyclable or compostable food service containers and service ware must be used. There will be exemptions, however, for hot containers/lids, utensils and raw meat trays.
- Business must also participate in a commercial composting program or provide compost containers onsite for consumer use.
- Businesses can request exemptions through a waiver process.
- Starting May 2011 (Phase 2):
- Polystyrene containers are not allowed. Recyclable or compostable food service containers and service ware must be used.
- Waivers will expire.
To see the full timeline, click here or to download flyer click here.
Why is the law phased?
A phased approach:
- Provides time to support local businesses with technical assistance and resources to help defray costs and evaluate options.
- Allows the City Council’s Sustainability Committee to monitor the initial implementation, evaluate the process and, if needed, make adjustments.
- Provides time to evaluate a possible purchasing cooperative among local businesses.
Why require recyclable or compostable food service packaging?
Non-recyclable and non-compostable food service packaging is often used and disposed of within minutes or days. It can take thousands of years to decompose, however, which has a negative impact on the environment.
In addition, Issaquah aims to reduce landfill waste by composting as much food waste as possible. Using compostable packaging allows users to easily dispose of their food waste – and containers – all in one place.
What else is the City doing to encourage recycling and composting?
Issaquah has adopted aggressive waste prevention and recycling goals to divert up to 65 percent of waste sent to landfills. So far, the City’s efforts include:
- Offering a free “Sustainable Business Partnership” program – including technical assistance, employee training and incentives – to support Issaquah businesses that recycle food waste (and subsequently reduce their garbage disposal costs).
- Successfully reducing the environmental footprint of Salmon Days, in partnership with the Chamber Festivals Office, by helping to facilitate a polystyrene ban for the past two years.
- Hosting, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, a forum last July to help local businesses learn more about the options available for compostable food packaging. Additional compostable/recyclable packaging forums will be held in 2010.
- Recycling is available for Issaquah businesses at no charge. As part of their basic garbage service, businesses are provided with a recycling capacity of up to 200 percent of their garbage collection container size.
- Educating residents about composting and recycling options.
- Providing compost and recycling services to all Issaquah residents since 2005 and all Issaquah businesses since 2006.
Where do I find more information on recyclable or compostable food service packaging?
