City of Redondo Beach
Polystyrene and Single
Use Plastic Products
Update
RBMC title5, Chapter 10
City Council Presentation
February 21, 2023
Ordinance – Background
• Municipal Code adopted January 14, 2020 – addressed polystyrene and single-use disposable products and addressed the release of helium-filled balloons.
• On January 19, 2021, the City Council directed staff to supplement Section 5-10.05 to include – Regulations on the sale, distribution, and use of balloons; Prohibition of the sale, distribution and use of “foil,” “metalized,” or “Mylar” balloons; prohibition on the release of latex balloons. • Polystyrene became eligible for enforcement August 13, 2020 • Single Use Straws and balloons enforcement effective February 13,2021 RBMC Title 5, Chapter 10
Prohibited Items
• Polystyrene (Styrofoam, Rigid Polystyrene, resin Code PS, #6, PS#6) Examples: Bowls, Cartons, Condiment Containers, Coolers, Cups/Drinkware, Egg Cartons, Meat and Fish trays, Packing Materials, Plates, Platters, Produce Trays, Straws, Utensils, and Wrappers • Single Use Plastic Products (Resin Codes #1-6, Bioplastic PLA#7) Examples: Lid Plugs, Stirrers, Straws, and Utensils
Alternatives: Made with non plastic, non-polystyrene materials/Included but not limited to paper, sugar cane, wood, bamboo
• Balloons
No sales, distribution, or use of “foil” – “Metalized” – “Mylar” balloons No release of helium-filled balloons within the City limits • Latex Balloons
No use or distribution of latex balloons filled with helium or lighter than air gas at any City function of City sponsored event.
No person shall release latex balloons filled with air, helium, or gas lighter than air in the City.
Education
• The Public Works Department has historically handled the education / compliance effort.
• The City’s outside consultant provided education and inspections. • Public Works Department has been overseeing the consultant (Charles Abbott, Inc.) tasked with conducting the inspections and responding to numerous calls and inquiries from the public. • Business Licensing mailed letters and copies of the City’s new ordinance to approximately 445 businesses.
• Licensing Counter provided a letter and awareness flyer to new applicable businesses applying for a business license.
Enforcement
• During the period from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022, 331 (320 restaurants and 11 balloon venders) businesses were inspected for plastic and balloon Ordinance compliance by Charles Abbott, Inc.
• At total of 933 inspections were conducted at these businesses. • During the reporting year, 5 documented actions were taken by Charles Abbott, Inc.
• 3 businesses immediately returned to compliance.
• Code Enforcement followed-up with the remaining 2 businesses with the issuance of a “Notice of Violation”.
• The 2 businesses ultimately returned to compliance.
• During the 12 month period, each business was inspected twice, and the remainder of visits were follow-ups.
Future Considerations
• Continue with City education and awareness with current and new businesses.
• Continue contract with Charles Abbott, Inc. for inspections and responding to numerous calls and inquires from the public. • Continue with final follow-up enforcement with Police Department Code Enforcement.