Food Packaging Ordinance Public Feedback Form

Food Service Ware Ordinance

Chapter 6.48 of the Municipal Code

Public Feedback Form

Click here to view form.

• All food providers may only give straws, lids (note: A lid may be provided when safety is a concern), cutlery, and to-go condiment packages upon request of the customer. (new language added) Customers must be able to affirmatively request each of these items separately from food and beverage orders across all point of sale platforms, including but not limited to telephone, web, smartphone, and other digital platforms.
• Businesses are required to charge .25 for each disposable hot or cold beverage cup sold containing a beverage. Sellers may not waive or absorb this fee. The fee must be clearly identified on menu platforms and as a separate item on any post-sale receipt. This fee is intended to discourage the use of disposable items as well as serving to offset any cost difference of acceptable food service ware. The non-taxable fee will remain with the seller.
• Food containers, hot and cold cups, beverage lids, cutlery, and straws must be fiber-based and free of intentionally added polyfluorinated chemicals (PFAS, including PFOS), BPI, or other third-party vendor-verified biodegradable and compostable materials. Only natural fiber-based items or fiber-based items lined with BPI-certified or other independent third-party certification PLA are allowed. Wood or bamboo cutlery, as well as aluminum sheets or trays, are acceptable
• Items made from non-recyclable, petroleum-based plastic or 100% PLA are not accepted. Only plastic tubs, accepted and processed in the City's recycling program, may be used with prior City staff approval. 
• Ultra-thin single-use plastic carry-out bags are not allowed to be given out, with the exception of certain instances. Retailers must charge .25 for each paper bag or heavy-duty reusable plastic bag given out. 

This ordinance is mandatory, and fines will be levied for non-compliance.