Sec. 19-65. - Findings and intent.

The county finds and declares:

(a)

The county has a duty to protect the natural environment, our economy, and the health of its citizens.

(b)

Products made from expanded polystyrene foam are not compostable, returnable or recyclable. Polystyrene foam easily breaks up into smaller pieces and, because it is lightweight, is carried by the wind even when it has been disposed of properly.

(c)

There is a prevalence of polystyrene foam debris littering our parks and public places, streets and roads, waterways, storm drains and beaches. This litter exists at a financial cost to residents and an environmental cost to our natural resources.

(d)

The county is situated near the Sonoma Coast and near waterways which drain to the marine environment. Marine animals and birds often confuse polystyrene foam pieces as a food source, which, when ingested, can impact the digestive track which often leads to death.

(e)

Discarded polystyrene constitutes a portion of the county's waste stream. Laws, policies and regulations pertaining to this material, which is difficult to recycle, have become a vital component in the efforts to reduce the amount of disposed waste.

(f)

It is not economically feasible to recycle most polystyrene in the county. Eliminating the use of polystyrene foam and other noncompostable and nonrecyclable items will maximize the operating life of our landfill and will lessen the economic and environmental costs of waste management for businesses and citizens of Sonoma County.

(g)

According to the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), polystyrene's overall environmental impacts were the second highest of any product, behind only aluminum.

(h)

Alternative products exist for almost all uses of polystyrene foam.

(i)

Restricting the use of polystyrene foam products will further protect the public health and safety of the county's residents, the natural environment, waterways, and wildlife.

(Ord. No. 6355, § I(Exh. A), 9-21-2021)