Council Puts Off Taking a Stand on Styrofoam Bill

After deciding it was too soon to take a stand on a proposed statewide ban on Styrofoam food containers, the Hermosa Beach City Council directed city staff to continue tracking the bill.

The measure, state Senate Bill 568, would prohibit food vendors from using packaging made from polystyrene foam, better known as Styrofoam, after Jan. 1, 2014.

"The League of California Cities has not supported this yet," said City Councilman Howard Fishman to council members Tuesday. "Let's let the process work itself out a little longer. ... I don't think the right time is tonight to send any letters to take a support position on this bill."

The bill, which was introduced by Sen. Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach), now sits in the state Senate.

The Hermosa Beach Green Task Force, an advisory group,  that the City Council adopt a citywide ban on the distribution of Styrofoam food containers in restaurants.

The council with the proposal and, instead, focused on an outreach program to educate residents about the dangers of polystyrene material.

Councilman Michael DiVirgilio on Tuesday said that the city should continue focusing on innovative ways to curb the use of Styrofoam and education efforts—and supporting a statewide ban could send a "mixed message," he said.