Green Food Packaging Ordinance
This Ordinance is effective as of January 1, 2007
Click here for ready-to-print Greenware Ordinance Flyer
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Guide for Oakland Food Vendors
- Guía para Proveedores Alimenticios de Oakland
- 屋崙( 奧克蘭) 市 食品銷售商 指南
- Höôùng Daãn Daønh Cho Caùc Haõng Baùn Thöïc Phaåm Taïi Oakland
What does the new food packaging ordinance say?
- Oakland food vendors may no longer use polystyrene foam (such as Styrofoam) disposable food service ware.
- Oakland food vendors must change to biodegradable/compostable disposable food service ware as it becomes affordable (same or less cost than the non-biodegradable/non-compostable disposables).
Who has to follow the food packaging ordinance?
All Oakland food vendors selling prepared food, including restaurants, delis, fast-food establishments, vendors at fairs, and food trucks. All City Facilities must also follow the ordinance.
What are the alternatives to polystyrene foam?
Coated and uncoated paper, cardboard, aluminum foil, other plastics.
Where can I purchase alternative food service ware products?
- Ask your current supplier to offer products that meet the City’s new requirements.
- Many local and national suppliers are on this Distributors List.
What are biodegradable and compostable food service ware products?
- Coated and uncoated paper products, and some "bio-plastics".
- StopWaste.Org lists many products on their Bio-Based Products List.
What can my business do to reduce food service ware waste?
- Allow customers to bring their own mugs to buy drinks.
- Use reusable dishes and cups instead of disposable ones for "Eat-In Customers."
- Start food scraps recycling that includes used compostable food packaging, food scraps, and many other items that may fill your garbage bin, and you may be able to reduce your garbage service. (see Free recycling technical assistance below)
What is wrong with polystyrene foam?
Made from crude oil and like all conventional plastics, polystyrene foam is non-renewable, non-biodegradable, and virtually non-recyclable. Polystyrene foam food service ware ends up in landfills, waterways or the ocean. It breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces which are often mistaken for food and ingested by marine animals, birds, and fish. Medical evidence also suggests that chemicals in polystyrene foam are carcinogenic and may leach into food or drink.
About Oakland's green food packaging ordinance
Food service ware is a large contributor to litter, blight and waste throughout Oakland. In addition, many food service ware products made from plastic may be hazardous to our health. To make our city cleaner and healthier and help our community achieve zero waste, Oakland City Council has adopted a cutting-edge disposable food packaging ordinance. Similar ordinances are now being adopted across California.
Free recycling technical assistance is available to your business from the City of Oakland.
By eliminating non-biodegradable food service ware your business may be able to recycle food scraps, food-soiled paper products such as napkins, wax-coated cardboard boxes, wax-coated gable-top cartons, and of course, biodegradable food service ware. Your business may be able to recycle more, and reduce your garbage service and your garbage bill.
Also, the City's Small Business Recycling Service can help you to recycle even more.
To schedule a free, on-site visit for recycling technical assistance call or e-mail the City of Oakland Recycling Hotline at 510-238-SAVE(7283) or recycling@oaklandnet.com.
Learn more about Oakland's Zero Waste goal at www.zerowasteoakland.com.