11-22-21 Item 9B- Presentation - Polystrene- AskewOrdinance No. 95-21-120
New code language added to Chapter 5 to
prohibit the use, sale or distribution of
polystyrene foam products on city properties and
the beach
Polystyrene (trademarked Styrofoam)
Styrene is the foundational ingredient used to make polystyrene. It is
broadly used in the manufacture of plastics, resins and rubber.
The J.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and
the international Agency for Research on Car' have
established tyrene as a possible human carciriop
Polystyrene (trademarked Styrofoam)
Not easily recyclable (non -biodegradable and appears to last
forever)
Common source of plastic pollution
It floats --- means a large amount in the waterways
Creates micro -plastic pollution which impacts wildlife and human
health (leaches into foods/drinks, soil, etc.)
When exposed to sunlight, it creates harmful air pollutants that
contaminate landfills and deplete the ozone layer
Styrofoam is also made from petroleum, which is a non -
sustainable resource, the production of which creates heavy
pollution and accelerates climate change
Background
2021 Commission Environmental
Leadership priorities is "Establishing
plastic -reduction, reuse and recycling
standards for individuals and groups
utilizing city facilities".
Incremental step in reducing the use of
plastic at city facilities.
Proposed Ord.
2008 - Florida legislature preempted the ability for municipalities
to generally ban plastic bags, single -use plastics and polystyrene,
however, this preemption does not prohibit the ability to
regulate polystyrene products on city owned properties and the
beach.
Other cities that ban polystyrene on publicly owned lands include;
the cities of Orlando, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood,
Dania Beach, Deerfield Beach and Boynton Beach
Proposed Ord.
Will prohibit the use, sale or distribution of polystyrene foam
products on city properties (i.e. parks, buildings, etc.) and the
beaches.
Does not prohibit the use of these products by individuals in these
areas (For example, an individual bringing a Styrofoam container
to the park).
It will affect concession sales at parks, food trucks on public
properties, and special events by private organizations using
public spaces (i.e. catered events at Adele Grage Center).
The effective date of January 1, 2022 is intended to allow time for
education, outreach, and depletion of supplies.