Berkeley and San Diego, California have set out new regulations to reduce waste from food and beverage single-use disposables. From 2020, all foodservice packaging must be compostable or reusable to comply with their Disposable Foodware and Litter Reduction Ordinance.
Many changes going on in Berkeley in the upcoming year…
From January 1st, 2020, restaurants, cafes and catering outlets must comply with the new disposables foodware standards. This means:
- All foodservice packaging must be compostable (BPI certified and accepted by the local composter)
- Food vendors must provide at least one set of three easily accessible receptacles composting, recycling, and landfill
- See here for more details: scroll to item 22
Vegware holds the deepest set of compostability certification in the sector, including certified compostable by BPI, thereby meeting the new disposable foodware standards. Our Environmental team provide support and advice for foodservice operators seeking composting solutions to meet compliance. Read more about our extensive compostability certifications here.
San Diego is banning foam polystyrene foodservice containers within the city limits in steps to achieve zero waste!
City departments will no longer purchase or acquire foam polystyrene (styrofoam) foodservice containers, including bowls, plates, trays, cups, lids and other single-use items. Read more here.
This reduction of polystyrene is an excellent step, yet, takeaway packaging remains an integral part of consumers’ lifestyles. Vegware’s commercially compostable packaging is well suited for caterers looking for plastic-free alternatives to traditional polystyrene.
These changes build on a wave of similar city ordinances. Vegware welcomes these ambitious plans and we are keen to work with foodservice outlets to help them implement these changes.
