What's Happening in San Diego - Kearny Mesa, CA…

The second phase of San Diego’s ban on single-use plastics, as well as polystyrene foam, recently went into effect, even as some restaurants attempt to obtain waivers.

The ban that just went into effect bars restaurants from selling and distributing egg cartons, as well as typical food service items such as cups and bowls made from polystyrene foam, more commonly known as Styrofoam.

In January, the San Diego City Council voted to ban Styrofoam in an attempt to reduce environmental damage and waste. Some Styrofoam products can be recycled, but even so, it can take hundreds of years from them to break down. When they do, they degrade into tiny particles known as microplastics, which both terrestrial and marine animals may ingest.

The director of San Diego’s Environmental Services Department, Mario Sierra, said that by the year 2040, San Diego hopes to have met its goal of having zero waste. The ban on Styrofoam will not only help to reach that goal, it will also reduce pollution, improve water quality, and help keep the environment healthy. The first phase of the ban went into effect in February, when it became illegal to distribute plastic straws and utensils, as well as Styrofoam mooring buoys, beach toys, ice chests, and coolers.

Local restaurants whose gross annual income is less than $500,000 have until February 23, 2020, to file for a waiver. Officials can use flyer printing to explain issues such as this to local businesses.