Irvine Delays Single-Use Plastics Ban Amid Lobbying Backlash
It seems like Irvine had an opportunity to introduce a comprehensive ordinance to curb single-use plastics, but the City Council opted to delay the decision due to various reasons, including a lack of outreach and lobbying pressure from industry groups.
The proposed ordinance aimed to ban single-use plastics such as utensils, foodware, straws, bags, water bottles, and containers, along with expanded polystyrene products. Additionally, it targeted the release of Mylar and latex balloons to prevent littering in the environment.
While a majority of the public seemed supportive of the proposal, concerns from business associations like the American Beverage Association and the California Grocers Association influenced council members. Lobbying efforts, including robocalls, emails, and home visits, emphasized points against the proposed ban, claiming it could negatively impact local jobs and restrict consumer choice.
The Council also mentioned a lack of engagement from the local business community as a reason for delaying the decision. The initial outreach might not have been inclusive enough, as some non-English-speaking business owners might not have received information about the proposed ban.
This delay mirrors past instances, such as the statewide ban on single-use carryout bags in California in 2016, where initial resistance eventually led to community adaptation, like carrying reusable bags in cars. Similarly, it took a while for beach cleanups to see a decrease in plastic bag waste after the statewide ban.
The proposed ordinance aligns with statewide legislation signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2022, aiming for all packaging in California to be recyclable or compostable by a certain deadline.
Ultimately, the City Council decided to defer the decision and requested more extensive outreach before revisiting the idea of a more focused ban on single-use plastics at an unspecified future date.
