What's Happening in Rohnert Park, CA…

Rohnert Park is cutting down on its waste management costs by banning particular non-recyclable food containers.

The goal is to reduce the environmental impact of nondegradable take-out Packaging. The new ordinance will prohibit the sale or use of disposable foam plates, clamshell containers, and foam ice chests. The policy is based on a template for regulation that was created by Zero Waste Sonoma, a public agency tasked with governing waste management in the county.

The new rules will go into effect at the end of the summer. Businesses and restaurants in the city will have a one-year grace period to ensure that they are compliant. City staff will also use that period to educate businesses about the new requirements.

Businesses will have the option of including a take-out fee for orders that require disposable containers. They could also choose to give discounts and credits to customers who bring their own takeout tins. Poster printing can be used to inform customers about new operating rules like this.

Vanessa Garret, the Public Works Director for Zero Waste Sonoma, told Rohnert Park’s city council that the ban would reduce the amount of trash being dumped in the landfills, and that this will reduce the city’s waste management bill. She also said that the city would benefit from less pollution in its waterways, streets, and parks.

The material used to create most take-out containers is polystyrene. Environmentalists have been campaigning against its use for decades as it is not biodegradable nor recyclable.Get a Free Quote for Packaging