On October 26, 2021, San Marcos became the second non-coastal city in San Diego County to pass a comprehensive plastics reduction ordinance.
After a lengthy but understandable waiting time due to the coronavirus pandemic, city staff released the draft ordinance in July 2021. With help from Oceana SoCal, our chapter activists submitted a detailed recommendation letter with ways to clarify and strengthen the ordinance.
San Marcos' ordinance will achieve the following steps to reduce plastic pollution in San Marcos:
-
- Prohibit distribution of most single-use plastic food ware accessories – straws, utensils, condiments, etc. – and also require that any “plastic alternative” disposable accessories be given out only upon customer request. Goes into effect July 1, 2022.
- Require all disposable food service ware – takeout boxes, cups, clamshells, etc. – to be either recyclable or compostable, as determined by the City’s waste hauler. Goes into effect July 1, 2023.
- Prohibit the use of expanded polystyrene (EPS) food ware at all food establishments. Goes into effect July 1, 2024
Related Posts
Plastic Pollution
Our chapter has multiple committees dedicated to the Surfrider Plastic Pollution Initiative. These include a countywide Beach Cleanup program, the Rise Above Plastics (RAP) committee, the Ocean Friendly Restaurants program, and a campaign to end cigarette butt litter - Ban the Butt.
End Plastic Pollution