Data from the California Coastal Commission’s annual Coastal Clean-up Day shows that single-use plastic foodware (e.g., containers, straws, cups, plates, utensils, straws, etc.) regularly feature on the top ten list of items collected during clean-up events. 

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, rather than biodegrading, this type of plastic waste often breaks down into tiny pieces known as microplastics (less than 5 mm in size), which are nearly impossible to clean up once they are in the environment. Microplastics can also contain or absorb toxic chemicals, potentially presenting risks for the organisms that ingest them. 

Reducing the amount of single-use, disposable items we use is not only is better for the environment, it reduces the amount of litter in our community. Choosing reusable options also lowers the amount of greenhouse gas inputs required for the production of single-use disposable items.

The following is a list of Novato City Council meetings when the topic of single-use plastic foodware was discussed. To watch these or other City Council meetings, please visit novato.org/watchmeetings.

Novato City Council Meetings

May 9, 2023 at 6pm
Novato City Hall

City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1701 prohibiting single-use plastic foodware (including bio-plastic) and requiring reusable foodware be used for dine-in operations and compostable and/or all-aluminum foodware be provided for take-out services at businesses with a food facility permit issued by Marin County. 

April 25, 2023 at 6pm
Novato City Hall

City Council held a public hearing to introduce an ordinance (Agenda Item I.1) related to single-use plastic foodware.

April 9, 2019 at 6pm
Novato City Hall

City Council received an informational item (Agenda Item J.1) on options to reduce single-use plastic foodware in Novato and gave direction to staff to work with the County of Marin on the development of a model countywide foodware ordinance.

December 11, 2018 at 6pm
Novato City Hall

City Council unanimously approved a motion (Agenda Item J.8) to expand the proposed future agenda item from August 28, 2018 to include a discussion on options to reduce a wider range of single-use plastic foodware items including cutlery, cups, plates, etc.

August 28, 2018 at 6pm
Novato City Hall

City councilmember proposed an agenda item (Agenda Item E.2) to discuss options to reduce single-use plastic straws in Novato and City Council unanimously approved a motion to place the item on a future agenda.