HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 14-7505 - Prohibiting the Use of Food Service Items Comprised of Expanded Polystyrene (Styrofoam) Within City FacilitiesRESOLUTION NO. 14-7505
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
PROHIBITING THE USE OF FOOD SERVICE ITEMS COMPRISED OF
EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE (STYROFOAM) WITHIN CITY FACILITIES
WHEREAS, expanded polystyrene, also known as “Styrofoam” is a foamed plastic
material commonly used for single-use disposable food service containers such as cups, plates,
and boxes; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Downey has a duty to protect the natural environment; and,
WHEREAS, there is currently no meaningful recycling of expandable polystyrene food
service products, due in part to contamination from food residue; and,
WHEREAS, alternative products which are bio-degradable, reusable and/or recyclable
are readily available at reasonable cost; and,
WHEREAS, expanded polystyrene does not effectively biodegrade in the environment,
but merely breaks down into smaller particles that litter the City’s streets, parks, public and open
places; and,
WHEREAS, the City’s Green Task Force has recommended that the City Council adopt
this Resolution which would prohibit the use of expanded polystyrene at City facilities; and,
[WHEREAS, the City of Downey desires to exercise environmental responsibility by
reducing the amount of expanded polystyrene debris that enters the City’s storm drains,
watershed, and river environment, and reducing the amount of expandable polystyrene that
enters our waste stream
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DOES
HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. That the City of Downey shall not purchase or acquire food service
products which are produced with expanded polystyrene. Prohibited products include, but are
not limited to, expanded polystyrene food containers, bowls, plates, trays, cartons, and cups
which are not intended for reuse, on or in which any foods or beverages are placed or
packaged.
SECTION 2. All City employees are strongly encouraged to assist in preserving the
environment by ceasing to purchase and use expanded polystyrene food service products.
RESOLUTION NO. 14-7505
PAGE 2
SECTION 3. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Resolution
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 22-d day of July, 2014. _
ATTEST
BmmR–WI
fRunTTln–R
City Clerk
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was adopted by the City Council of
the City of Downey at a regular meeting held on the 22-d day of July, 2014, by the following vote,
to wit
AYES: Council Members:
NOES: Council Members:
ABSENT: Council Members:
ABSTAIN: Council Members:
Brossmer, Guerra, Saab, Marquez, Mayor Vasquez
None
None
None
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ADilim
City Clerk