AGENDA ITEM REPORT
TITLE:
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AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY’S CODE OF ORDINANCES, BY AMENDING CHAPTER 11, “FOOD AND FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS,” BY ENACTING SECTION 11-2, “PROHIBITION ON THE DISTRIBUTION OR USE OF SINGLE-USE PLASTIC STRAWS,” TO PROHIBIT THE DISTRIBUTION OR SALE OF SINGLE-USE PLASTIC STRAWS WITHIN THE CITY AND TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF THOSE ITEMS UPON CITY PROPERTY, WITHIN CITY FACILITIES, OR AT CITY-APPROVED SPECIAL EVENTS TO REDUCE WASTE AND PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT; PROVIDING FOR PENALTIES. (FIRST READING)
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BACKGROUND:
Studies have shown that nonrecyclable or biodegradable plastics, including single-use plastic straws, pose an environmental hazard to our health, safety, and welfare by negatively impacting water quality and surrounding wildlife. As the “Butterfly Capital of the World,” the City of Coconut Creek has consistently proven itself a leader in the realm of environmental sustainability and conscientiousness, and proudly joins the ranks of other like-minded state and local legislators by enacting a ban on single-use plastic straws that would otherwise fill our overburdened local landfills or litter our beautiful community.
DISCUSSION:
Current state law preempts local regulation pertaining to single-use plastic containers, wrappings, and disposable plastic bags; however, recent actions by Governor Ron DeSantis gave the green light on local regulation of other single-use plastics. In light of the recent studies showing the devastating effects that these single-use plastics have on our environment, specifically due to the fact that they cannot be recycled based on their composition, or are too small to be properly processed for recycling and often become litter or are landfilled, it is clear that they are a nuisance and negatively impact our community. The proposed regulation prohibits the distribution and sale of single-use plastic straws. It also bans the use of single-use plastic straws on City property or at City facilities, including those used by special event permittees. The regulation carves out reasonable exceptions to the ban and provides for an educational period, including a grace period for enforcement until January 1, 2020. Penalties are as provided in Section 1-8, “General penalties for violation of Code; continuing violation and other remedies and administrative fees,” within the City’s Code of Ordinances for all Chapter 11, “Food and Food Establishments,” violations.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance.
FISCAL IMPACT: N/A