Oakland is considering a policy that would dramatically reduce plastic pollution and waste, help restaurants save money, and protect public health.
Now, we need to urge our city councilmembers to vote YES.
The Oakland Reusable Foodware Ordinance will tackle single-use waste at local eateries and events by requiring:
- Reusables when dining in — think plates, cups, utensils, and more
- BYO (Bringing Your Own) reusable cups and containers to be accepted for takeout — with some exceptions like if the container is dirty, or not fit for use
- Toxic-free takeout containers — and also bans expanded polystyrene (aka styrofoam). Includes a transition period for food service industry to adjust in a manageable way. This process will include community feedback before the ordinance goes into effect.
- No compostable plastics — these don't break down fast enough and contaminate commercial compost.
- Single-use utensils, condiments, straws, etc to only be given out if a customer asks for them — for example, no longer automatically putting plastic forks in every takeout order
- Large venues, events, and city facilities to serve drinks in reusable cups — venues with 2000+ visitors like sports arenas and concerts, and events with 500+ attendees like conferences
Businesses can request a waiver for economic hardship, and the City will provide exemptions when affordable reusables or toxic-free disposables are not available.
Will you send your local reps a message in support?
Why Reusables?
Our throwaway lifestyle is fueling two major crises: climate change and plastic pollution. And reusables are a key part of the solution.
Reusable foodware at our local eateries reduces litter, plastic pollution, and climate impacts
On average, a restaurant will eliminate around 60,000 disposable items and over 800 pounds of waste per year by switching to reusables for onsite dining.
Reusable foodware saves businesses money
Single-use plates, bowls, utensils and more are repeated expenses that add up overtime. And compostables are especially pricey. Reusables reduce costs in the long run. Restaurants save an average of $4,000+ per year by switching to reusables.
Oakland isn't the first city to pass a policy like this
22 cities in California and 27 in North America have enacted reusables for onsite dining policies since Berkeley passed the first one in 2019! Even entire countries are doing this, including Chile, France, Taiwan, England, and the Netherlands.
Reusable Oakland Coalition:
Center for Environmental Health
Clean Water Action, Rethink Disposable
Climate Reality project, Bay Area Chapter
East Bay Natural GrocersRace to Zero Waste
Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives
Northern California Recycling Association
Okapi Reusables
rCup / rWorld
Plastic Free Restaurants
Plastic Pollution Coalition
Race to Zero Waste
Reusable San Mateo County
Rotation Community Services
Save the Bay
Story of Stuff Project
Surfrider
Sustainable Alameda
