Minimizing Plastics Program

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Businesses for a Better Planet

In an effort to work toward zero waste goals and address community concerns about ecologically damaging plastic litter, City Council took an early step in passing an ordinance regulating single-use plastic straws city-wide and expanded polystyrene (EPS, also known as Styrofoam) on city rights-of-way.

Local Ordinance

The ordinance was approved in December 2018, the formal transition period began January 2019, and City Council approved updates to the ordinance in October 2019. These changes were based on feedback received from businesses during an outreach campaign in which every business affected by the ordinance was visited and educated on the regulations. View the final Single-Use Straws and Expanded Polystyrene Ordinance.

Eco-Friendly Business Toolkit: Minimizing Plastics

The Eco-Friendly Business Toolkit outlines why regulating single-use plastics is necessary, summarizes ordinance information, and suggests next steps for businesses making the transition to more planet-friendly products. A folder of related materials is provided in addition to the toolkit and includes files for signage and stickers, employee tips, and more.

Visit the Suncoast Rise Above Plastics—Suppliers of Alternative Materials page for more information regarding recommended suppliers of plastic- and polystyrene-free alternatives.