Tonight, the Newport City Council passed a comprehensive plastic foodware ordinance that will take effect March 31, 2022.
The ordinance
- Bans rigid plastic and polystyrene foam food containers (clamshells, bowls, etc.)
- Bans polystyrene cups
- Requires that single-use plastic food service ware (forks, spoons, stirrers, etc.) and single-use condiments be offered only upon request for takeout
- Requires reusable food service ware for dine in
There are several exemptions outlined in the ordinance that address business concerns and exempts meals provided as part of a social service program.
The Council also passed an associated Resolution designed to set businesses up for success by developing resources to support implementation of the ordinance. The resolution requires:
- A business outreach letter explaining the ordinance
- A list of suitable single-use alternatives for each product type (which will be developed by a stakeholder group comprised of a local waste hauler, a restaurant, a retailer or grocery, and an environmental or litter organization).
- A FAQ for grocery/retail establishments, and
- A FAQ for restaurants
- Any other resources to support business implementation of this ordinance.
Read the full ordinance here.
