City of San Jose, CA
05/18/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/18/2022 15:00
NEWS RELEASE: San José Joins State in Reducing Single-Use Plastic Waste
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Jennie Loft, Public Information Manager, Environmental Services Department
650-315-4969; [email protected]
AB 1276 went into effect on January 1, 2022, and limits the amount of single-use foodware accessories - such as plastic utensils, chopsticks and coffee sticks - and condiment packets that end up in landfills or pollute San José waterways and San Francisco Bay. AB 1276 adds another layer of environmental protection to AB 1884, the state's existing "straws-upon-request" law, which went into effect in 2018.
The City will work with the community to help residents and businesses understand the requirements of the law.
"AB 1276 helps the City of San José reduce the impacts of single-use plastics and aligns with our commitment to sustainability and environmental leadership," said Mayor Sam Liccardo. "Through our partnerships with local businesses to encourage reduced use of plastics, our small businesses will save money and customers have the flexibility to cut back on unnecessary waste."
AB 1276 not only protects the environment - it may also save food facilities money. According to the nonprofit Upstream, American eateries spend $24 billion a year on disposable foodware, much of which is thrown out without being used. Plastic foodware and food wrappers are among the most common items collected during beach cleanups around the world, according to the Ocean Conservancy. More than 33 billion pounds of plastic enter our oceans every year, with the United States being the world's leading generator.
"Plastic pollution is a huge problem here in San José and around the world," said Kerrie Romanow, Environmental Services Director and the City's Chief Sustainability Officer. "We are proud to help California reduce the amount of single-use plastics that damage our environment, endanger wildlife, and threaten our health and quality of life."
The City will begin enforcing the law on January 1, 2023, but will focus on education and outreach rather than conducting inspections. AB 1276 applies to food facilities such as restaurants, coffee shops and mobile food vendors. Under the law, food facilities can offer single-use food accessories to customers only if they ask for them. Self-service stations for such items are acceptable. The law also prohibits bundling foodware accessories such as knives, forks and spoons together in a plastic wrapper.
In addition to food facilities, the law applies to third-party online delivery platforms. Correctional institutions, health care facilities, residential care facilities, and public and private schools are exempt from the law.
The Environmental Services Department will conduct public outreach and awareness on AB 1276 and partner with food facilities to ensure the changes are effectively communicated and implemented. The department will reach out to businesses directly and in collaboration with Republic Services, the City's commercial waste hauler.
For more information, including the types of food facilities and single-use items that are covered by AB 1276, check out the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the City's waste reduction webpage.
About the City of San José
With more than one million residents, San José is one of the most diverse large cities in the United States and is Northern California's largest city and the 10th largest city in the nation. San José's transformation into a global innovation center has resulted in one of the largest concentrations of technology companies and expertise in the world. In 2011, the City adopted Envision San José 2040, a long-term growth plan that sets forth a vision and a comprehensive road map to guide the City's anticipated growth through the year 2040.
About the Environmental Services Department
The Environmental Services Department (ESD) leads Climate Smart San José and manages garbage and recycling services; watershed protection and pollution prevention; municipal drinking water and recycled water; sustainability initiatives; and the operation and infrastructure improvements of the San José-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility. ESD's mission is to deliver world-class utility services and programs to improve our health, environment and economy.
CONTACT
Jennie Loft, Public Information Manager, Environmental Services Department
650-315-4969; [email protected]
San José Joins State in Reducing Single-Use Plastic Waste
SAN JOSE, Calif. (May 18, 2022) - The San José City Council voted Tuesday to amend the City's Municipal Code to allow local enforcement of a new state law, AB 1276, that aims to reduce single-use plastic waste generated in California.AB 1276 went into effect on January 1, 2022, and limits the amount of single-use foodware accessories - such as plastic utensils, chopsticks and coffee sticks - and condiment packets that end up in landfills or pollute San José waterways and San Francisco Bay. AB 1276 adds another layer of environmental protection to AB 1884, the state's existing "straws-upon-request" law, which went into effect in 2018.
The City will work with the community to help residents and businesses understand the requirements of the law.
"AB 1276 helps the City of San José reduce the impacts of single-use plastics and aligns with our commitment to sustainability and environmental leadership," said Mayor Sam Liccardo. "Through our partnerships with local businesses to encourage reduced use of plastics, our small businesses will save money and customers have the flexibility to cut back on unnecessary waste."
AB 1276 not only protects the environment - it may also save food facilities money. According to the nonprofit Upstream, American eateries spend $24 billion a year on disposable foodware, much of which is thrown out without being used. Plastic foodware and food wrappers are among the most common items collected during beach cleanups around the world, according to the Ocean Conservancy. More than 33 billion pounds of plastic enter our oceans every year, with the United States being the world's leading generator.
"Plastic pollution is a huge problem here in San José and around the world," said Kerrie Romanow, Environmental Services Director and the City's Chief Sustainability Officer. "We are proud to help California reduce the amount of single-use plastics that damage our environment, endanger wildlife, and threaten our health and quality of life."
The City will begin enforcing the law on January 1, 2023, but will focus on education and outreach rather than conducting inspections. AB 1276 applies to food facilities such as restaurants, coffee shops and mobile food vendors. Under the law, food facilities can offer single-use food accessories to customers only if they ask for them. Self-service stations for such items are acceptable. The law also prohibits bundling foodware accessories such as knives, forks and spoons together in a plastic wrapper.
In addition to food facilities, the law applies to third-party online delivery platforms. Correctional institutions, health care facilities, residential care facilities, and public and private schools are exempt from the law.
The Environmental Services Department will conduct public outreach and awareness on AB 1276 and partner with food facilities to ensure the changes are effectively communicated and implemented. The department will reach out to businesses directly and in collaboration with Republic Services, the City's commercial waste hauler.
For more information, including the types of food facilities and single-use items that are covered by AB 1276, check out the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the City's waste reduction webpage.
About the City of San José
With more than one million residents, San José is one of the most diverse large cities in the United States and is Northern California's largest city and the 10th largest city in the nation. San José's transformation into a global innovation center has resulted in one of the largest concentrations of technology companies and expertise in the world. In 2011, the City adopted Envision San José 2040, a long-term growth plan that sets forth a vision and a comprehensive road map to guide the City's anticipated growth through the year 2040.
About the Environmental Services Department
The Environmental Services Department (ESD) leads Climate Smart San José and manages garbage and recycling services; watershed protection and pollution prevention; municipal drinking water and recycled water; sustainability initiatives; and the operation and infrastructure improvements of the San José-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility. ESD's mission is to deliver world-class utility services and programs to improve our health, environment and economy.
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