NOVATO — A community in Marin County has adopted an ordinance banning single-use plastics. Some companies are already moving in that direction, but others are concerned that food cannot be stored in biodegradable containers.
“We are very pleased that at least nine of the 11 cities have adopted or are in the process of adopting this ordinance,” said Dennis Rodoni, superintendent of the Marin County Board of Supervisors representing District 4. Told. “That’s our real goal. It’s county wide. Our waste stream is county wide and we can make a difference across the county.”
Novato is one of the cities that passed the ordinance, which will take effect on November 10. The city of San Rafael is considering similar measures, and the city council is scheduled to discuss the issue Monday night.
Rodoni said these regulations will help Marin County cities meet state requirements for recycling.
“Now is the perfect time as we are replenishing what businesses, restaurants and takeaways will use in the future,” he told KPIX on Monday. “There is never the best time for this, but we felt it was a good time because people are re-establishing their businesses.”
The county wanted to take steps to make this change before coronavirus, but that process was delayed during the pandemic. Some companies are embracing the new rules as they are already phasing out single-use plastics as they recover from the past three years of losses.
“We’re already in the process of making sure things are compostable, biodegradable and recyclable in the right kind,” said Patrick Odenthal, general manager of Finnigan’s Marine in Novato. I did,” he said. “Just make sure your employees are trained and informed about what the right and wrong products are at your restaurant, and make sure it’s actually being recycled.”
Of course, these come at a cost, given the many challenges restaurants face in the current economy.
“Restaurant faces a lot of challenges. Costs, labor costs, mundane things are already challenges and it just got a little bit harder,” Odenthal said.
Some businesses say the transition won’t be easy as they sell foods such as soups and other hot and greasy dishes that require plastic items to deliver take-out orders. They are concerned about what a plastic-free future might mean in the short term, as takeout is a major source of income for them.
Rodoni said he will still prioritize education after the ordinance becomes law. Borations and fines will not be imposed for several months.
“We have a waiver if the product doesn’t exactly match what’s available. We hope the industry will catch up soon,” Rodoni said.
Marin County is also offering grants of up to $500 to businesses that want to be early adopters and restock their inventories with county-approved recyclable and compostable products.