Vista pursues ban on single-use plastic utensils

Customers ordering takeout meals in Vista shouldn’t expect to automatically receive plastic utensils and straws beginning this summer under an ordinance being considered by the city.

The new rule also would phase out polystyrene containers by July 2023, giving eateries time to transition to other types of boxes, cups, plates and bowls.

City Council members last week unanimously supported the proposed ordinance, but also requested city staff members return with a way for small, mom-and-pop restaurants to request temporary waivers to the ban on foam containers. The proposed ordinance is expected to go before the council for a vote June 22.

If approved, Vista will be the sixth city in the county to adopt restrictions on single-use plastic items. Encinitas, Del Mar, Imperial Beach, San Diego and Solana Beach have similar ordinances, though San Diego is not enforcing it while city staff members prepare an environmental impact report.

Escondido City Council members discussed the idea April 21 but did not pursue it. According to Vista city staff members, all other cities along the state Route 78 corridor are evaluating regulations to limit single-use plastic products.

Statewide, the proposed Senate Bill 54 would prohibit single-use plastics in California by Jan. 1, 2032.

The proposal first came before the Vista City Council in January with a presentation about the global and local effects of plastic pollution by Oceana and the Surfrider Foundation, who appeared at the invitation of Councilwoman Corinna Contreras. Council members agreed to discuss single-use plastics in March.

The majority of council members at that meeting supported pursing a way to reduce single-use plastics in the city and directed staff members to research the issue and return with a proposed ordinance and a phase-in plan.

Under the proposed ordinance, all food establishments would provide plastic straws, utensils and items such as condiment packets only if requested by customers beginning Aug. 1.

At the meeting Tuesday, Councilman John Franklin said he had visited several restaurant owners and was surprised to learn many already had begun providing plastic utensils and condiments by request only.

“I don’t think a new policy to go on-demand will be a burden,” he said.

Franklin said he did see room for improvement in the plan to phase out polystyrene, however. After talking with restaurant owners and doing his own research, Franklin said the cost of shifting from polystyrene to biodegradable products could cost restaurants $3,600 a year. While that could easily be absorbed by corporate fast-food companies, it could mean some cutbacks at small, independent restaurants, he said.

Franklin proposed an exemption for restaurants with a gross revenue of under $1 million a year. With restaurants often making only a 10 percent profit, he said the waiver would be for those earning just $100,000 annually.

City Manager Patrick Johnson said he had spoken with officials in cities with similar ordinances and learned that those with exemptions and waivers found it was hard to say yes or no without having some parameters as guidance.

Councilman Joe Green proposed the ordinance include a waiver that can be requested, but was not automatic, for businesses with less than $1 million in gross revenue annually. Franklin joined the unanimous vote in asking staff members to return with an ordinance, but also said he may have more to discuss before the final vote.

Green also said the city should set an example by immediately implementing the rules about plastic utensils and food containers at public facilities, but first should use what it already has rather than buying new supplies and throwing out items already bought.