Burbank City Council Approves Waste Reduction Regulations Ordinance

Burbank City Council Approves Waste Reduction Regulations Ordinance

Burbank, CA (February 14, 2024) – The Waste Reduction Regulations Ordinance (ordinance) updates the Burbank Municipal Code with regulations that strengthen waste reduction efforts within the City and demonstrates a commitment to environmental sustainability. The ordinance prohibits the City's purchase of plastic water bottles for City events and facilities, limits the use of polystyrene packaging material, food ware, and coolers, single-use food ware for on-site dining at Burbank restaurants, and non-recyclable or non-compostable food ware for take-out, and aligns itself with AB 1276 or the “Upon Request” state policy.  Businesses experiencing undue hardship may be exempt from complying with the ordinance through a case-by-case waiver application process.

Key dates and provisions of the ordinance include:

AB 1276 or “Upon Request”:

Effective March 15, 2024, in conjunction with State of California policy AB 1276, the ordinance prohibits food service businesses from providing any single-use food ware utensils, straws, or standard condiments to customers dining on site unless requested. To-go orders will be exempt from this regulation.

Expanded and rigid polystyrene:

Effective July 1, 2024, the ordinance prohibits the use or sale of polystyrene packaging and food ware.

Plastic water bottles at City events and facilities:

Effective July 1, 2024, the City of Burbank will cease the purchase of plastic water bottles for city events and facilities, with limited exceptions.

Non-recyclable and non-compostable food ware for take-out:

Effective January 1, 2026, the ordinance prohibits food service businesses from using non-recyclable and/or non-compostable food ware. Businesses will be required to provide recyclable and/or compostable poly and perfluoroalkyl (PFAS) free substance food ware for take-out customers. PFAS are long-lasting chemicals, components of which break down very slowly over time and may have harmful effects on humans and animals. 

Reusable food ware for dine-in:

Effective January 1, 2026, the ordinance prohibits Burbank food service businesses from providing disposable food ware for customers dining on-site.

The Burbank Recycle Center staff will focus on education and will escalate to other enforcement options if the City cannot obtain voluntary compliance.  Enforcement will be phased to allow businesses time to successfully transition to new practices and alternative products. The first form of enforcement will include a written notice of non-compliance and give businesses 60 days to correct the issues prior to issuance of any administrative citations. If administrative citations are necessary, the first offense is $100, the second $200, and the third and subsequent offenses are $500.

The ordinance introduces a waiver process for businesses that may experience undue hardship due to the unavailability of alternative or suitable products, challenges by space, and/or financial issues.

“The introduction of the Waste Reduction Regulations Ordinance marks a significant milestone in our city’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility," says City of Burbank Mayor Nick Schultz. "These regulations underscore Burbank's dedication to creating a more sustainable future by reducing the prevalence of Styrofoam, single use plastics, and other single-use material in our community, thereby lessening our environmental footprint and fostering a culture of responsible consumption. We look forward to providing businesses and the community with education regarding the requirements of this ordinance to help make the transition as seamless as possible.”

For more information about upcoming education activities, please visit https://www.burbankca.gov/web/public-works/waste-reduction-ordinance.

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