Town of Yountville
Staff Report
6550 Yount Street
Yountville, CA 94599
Agenda Item #: 6A
Yountville Town Council Staff Report
DATE: April 1, 2025
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Brad Raulston, Town Manager
PREPARED BY: Hilary Gaede, Communications Director/ Town Clerk
RECOMMENDATION
Discussion and direction for reduction of single-use plastics/foodware.
DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
State and local governments are implementing measures to address the environmental impacts of single-use plastics. These initiatives range from statewide legislation to community-specific ordinances, with the shared goal of managing waste and encouraging the use of recyclable and compostable materials. As these efforts continue to evolve, the Town of Yountville is exploring potential policy options to align with broader regulatory trends and support local sustainability objectives.
State:
In 2022, California enacted Senate Bill 54 (SB 54), the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, aiming to reduce plastic waste and promote environmental sustainability. The law mandates a 25% reduction in single-use plastic packaging and foodware by 2032, requires all single-use packaging to be recyclable or compostable by that year, and shifts the financial responsibility for waste management from consumers to producers by establishing a $5 billion fund over ten years to address plastic pollution impacts. In March 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom directed CalRecycle to restart the regulatory process for SB 54 to ensure the law's effective implementation and to minimize costs for small businesses and working families.
Napa County:
In addition to state-level initiatives, several jurisdictions in Napa County have adopted local ordinances aimed at reducing single-use plastic waste. The City of Napa implemented a single-use carryout bag reduction ordinance in 2014, which prohibits retail stores from providing single-use plastic bags, with limited exceptions.
Similarly, Napa County adopted a plastic bag reduction ordinance for unincorporated areas in 2016, banning single-use plastic carryout bags in retail establishments. In addition, the City of Calistoga has passed a comprehensive ordinance restricting polystyrene foodware and single-use plastic items, promoting the use of reusable or compostable alternatives. These efforts reflect a regional commitment to environmental sustainability and provide useful models for alignment as the Town of Yountville advances its own initiatives.
Local:
The Town of Yountville is committed to sustainability and reducing environmental impacts associated with single-use plastics and disposable foodware. Town Council created an ad-hoc committee at the March 14, 2024 meeting to explore the development of a draft ordinance to reduce single-use plastics and promote the use of reusable and compostable alternatives.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Exempt per California Environmental Act (CEQA) Guideline, Section 15061(b)(3)
FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a Fiscal Impact? No
Is it Currently Budgeted? N/A
Where is it Budgeted? N/A
Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? Discretionary
Is there a Staff Resource Impact? Nominal
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL
Is item Identified in Strategic Plan? Yes
If yes, Identify Strategic Goal and Objective. Visionary Leadership: The Town's leadership maintains an openminded, forward-thinking decision-making process. We value engagement and participation from all members of the community as we work together to create policies and plan for the future.
Briefly Explain Relationship to Strategic Plan Goal and Objective. The proposed ordinance exemplifies visionary leadership by proactively addressing environmental sustainability and positioning Yountville as a leader in waste reduction and climate action.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Single-Use Carryout Bag & Foodware Ordinance Summary of Key Points