GREENFIELD — A proposed ordinance banning single-use plastic foam containers will go before Town Council this month after voters decided to ban the take-out containers last fall.
The proposal bans all single-use expandable polystyrene foam packaging — including Styrofoam cups, bowls, plates, takeout containers and trays — for prepared, ready-to-eat food. It would apply to all retail food and/or beverage establishments in Greenfield, but not to industrial manufacturers shipping products out of town.
The Health Department is given enforcement authority under the proposal and any establishment that fails to comply could be fined up to $25 each day it violates the ordinance.
It would take effect four months from the date of passage.
“This is a fair and thoughtful ordinance that I believe balances the will of the voters, small business interests and the environment,” Town Council Treasurer Karen “Rudy” Renaud said. “The citizens wanted to see this happen and we know this stuff is very harmful to the environment, but we are also giving folks some time to comply.”
Last fall, voters decided they didn’t want the town to ban plastic bags or single-serve plastic bottles, but voted 2,499-1,752 in favor of banning plastic foam containers.
During a meeting of the Appointments and Ordinance Committee Wednesday night, Town Council Vice President Isaac Mass said a major problem with the proposal is that it would apply to organizations serving free food within the community.
“I have a real issue with stopping places that provide food to the public without charge using Styrofoam, whether that be a community meals program or an AA meeting or a church that serves their parishioners,” he said. “All of those groups are on such thin margins — not that businesses aren’t — but they are people who are providing food to people who can’t otherwise afford it.”
Precinct 7 Councilor William Childs said Styrofoam products cost about a third of the price of paper products, but said he believes the ordinance should apply to everyone distributing prepared food in Greenfield.
“I think it’s wrong to give some people privilege,” he said.
Renaud said there’s a huge difference between industrial food manufacturers, which would not fall under the ordinance, and those distributing free food in Greenfield, as manufacturers ship Styrofoam out of town while the cups and containers used by meals programs would likely stay in Greenfield.
At-Large Councilor Penny Ricketts added that Styrofoam shipping material can be reused, so it doesn’t fall under the single-use definition in the ordinance. She said she believes the ordinance will make people stop and think about the products they’re using and help drive greater community-wide change.
The proposed ordinance will be voted on by the full council during its June 15 meeting.
You can reach Aviva Luttrell at: aluttrell@recorder.com
or 413-772-0261, ext. 268
On Twitter, @AvivaLuttrell