EQC Meeting Date: August 21st, 2024
To: Environmental Quality Commission
From: Risi Karim, Assistant to the City Administrator
Title
Compostable Products Policy
Body
Action Requested:
Commission reviews and provides feedback on policy recommendation
Summary Report:
The City has long been committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship, as evidenced by our adoption of the Climate Action Plan and the Zero Waste Plan. However, despite these commitments, a significant portion of waste generated from City hosted events continues to end up in landfills, contributing to environmental degradation and greenhouse gas emissions.
The Compostable Products Policy is a targeted measure to address this issue. By mandating the use of compostable products at City-hosted events, we can significantly reduce the waste going to landfills, promote the use of sustainable materials, and set a positive example for the community.
The Compostable Products Policy is designed to:
• Reduce Landfill Waste: Compostable products are designed to break down naturally, returning valuable nutrients to the soil instead of contributing to landfill waste.
• Support Climate Action Goals: By reducing landfill waste, we decrease methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, thereby supporting the City’s efforts to combat climate change.
• Advance the Zero Waste Plan: This policy is a critical step in our ongoing efforts to achieve the goals outlined in the Zero Waste Plan, which aims to minimize waste and promote resource recovery.
• Lead by Example: The City’s adoption of this policy will demonstrate leadership in sustainability, encouraging residents and businesses to adopt similar practices.
This policy aligns directly with the City’s Climate Action Plan and Zero Waste Plan:
• Climate Action Plan: The reduction of landfill waste through composting directly contributes to the City’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Methane, a byproduct of organic waste decomposition in landfills, is a significant contributor to climate change. By diverting organic waste to composting facilities, we reduce methane emissions and help mitigate climate change.
• Zero Waste Plan: The policy supports the Zero Waste Plan by promoting the use of materials that can be composted, rather than discarded, thus reducing the overall waste generated by City activities.
The policy applies to all events and meetings organized, hosted, or managed by City staff. Staff will be required to select BPI certified compostable products (such as plates, cups, utensils, and napkins) whenever they are available and suitable for use. Non-compostable products will only be allowed if no viable compostable alternatives exist or if safety or performance standards necessitate their use.
City departments will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the policy. The Administration office will provide training and resources to help staff identify appropriate products and manage waste effectively at events.
The Compostable Products Policy represents a meaningful step towards achieving the City’s Climate Action and Zero Waste goals. By adopting this internal policy for staff, the City will be taking a proactive approach to reducing environmental impact, fostering sustainable practices, and setting a positive example for the community.
Alternative Options:
N/A
Financial Impacts:
The initial cost of implementing the policy may include slightly higher expenses for compostable products compared to conventional disposables. However, these costs are expected to be offset by the long-term environmental and social benefits of reducing landfill waste and supporting the City’s sustainability goals.
The Carbon Reduction Fund annually sets funds aside for Zero Waste implementation which includes budgeted dollars to buy compostable products for City facilities.
Tentative Timelines:
N/A