San Mateo County may ban foam takeout containers

[The Straight Story]

San Mateo County may ban foam takeout containers


San Mateo County may fall in line behind cities on the Peninsula and elsewhere that ban restaurants from using plastic foam takeout containers.

Millbrae, Pacifica, South San Francisco and San Bruno are among San Mateo County cities that have adopted such bans, according to a memo from Supervisor Adrienne Tissier, author of the proposed ordinance.

Her proposal would only affect restaurants and food vendors in the county's unincorporated areas. It would prohibit them from using non-recyclable plastic disposable containers and utensils, specifically petroleum-based polystyrene, Tissier said.

"Polystyrene has become a problematic environmental pollutant given its non-biodegradable, non-recyclable and nearly non-reusable nature," she said.

http://www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_17367111?nclick_check=1

[prole_for_peace]

1. Good.

I hate those things.

[lunasun]

2. Good!!! Wish it was universal!!!

[petronius]

3. I remember when McDonalds did that way back when - hasn't seemed to hurt their business

I wonder what the cost comparison is between the larger foam containers and the alternatives - we used to always get the clear plastic ones in Berkeley (perhaps they already have such a law?) and those worked fine...

[Ratty]

4. I remember how upset I was when they banned foam coffee cups

Well, maybe upset isn't the word but I did do some grumbling. The cardboard cups were too hot to hold and you had to use those sleeves. I got over it. I don't even think about it now. In fact when I visit someplace that still uses foam cups it's a little disconcerting and strange.