Four out of five San Luis Obispo city council members endorsed a proposed ban on Styrofoam products during a public hearing Tuesday evening.
The council directed city staff Tuesday to draft an ordinance banning the use of Styrofoam food and drink containers, as well as the retail sales of Styrofoam products. The ordinance could also ban all food and drink containers that cannot be recycled, reused or composted.
During public comment Tuesday, twelve speakers supported the proposed ban while none opposed it. Only Councilman Dan Carpenter voiced opposition to the idea.
Carpenter said he is concerned with over regulation, and that the county Integrated Waste Management Authority (IWMA) should take up the issue, rather than the city.
“I think this is a personal choice,” Carpenter said. “I am always hesitant to over-regulate.”
The draft Styrofoam ordinance is expected to come to the council for approval early next year.
