Thousands Voice Opposition to State Panel’s Proposal To Ban Recyclable Foam Food Service Containers

Armed with several thousand opposition letters, a group of local factory workers, business leaders and others today protested a state panel’s plan to ban recyclable food service containers in California – a move they say will result in the loss of hundreds of local factory jobs, hurt businesses statewide, and do nothing to reduce the amount of litter.

The rally was held prior to a meeting of the California Ocean Protection Council, which later in the day approved a statewide ban on polystyrene food containers as well as a tax on paper and plastic bags in a misguided effort to reduce litter.

“While we support efforts by the OPC to reduce marine debris, we do not believe that banning polystyrene food packaging will reduce the litter reaching our oceans. Banning only one material in the litter stream makes no sense,” said Tim Sheehan, spokesperson for the Pactiv Corporation. “Our plants in California would be directly affected by a ban on polystyrene food packaging and this action would likely result in a significant loss of jobs and revenue to the state.”

Coalition members presented strong evidence that a ban on polystyrene foam food containers would result in significant increases in non-renewable energy use, greenhouse gases, and waste generation. Unlike alternatives, polystyrene is accepted for recycling in a number of California programs, including LA’s Blue Box. Coalition members stressed that polystyrene can be recycled, and that the best way to protect the environment from litter is to work together to boost recycling efforts through infrastructure enhancements and increased consumer education.

“Our workers have green jobs because they are recycling polystyrene containers. In many cases, these products are better for the environment than alternatives,” said Larry Eisenhauer, Dart Container Corporation plant manager, whose company makes polystyrene food containers and employs approximately 700 workers in its Corona and Lodi facilities. “We encourage the Governor to work collaboratively with the industry and public agencies in identifying real recycling solutions, which will serve as a catalyst for a new wave of green jobs.”

Other coalition members – including the California Chamber of Commerce and the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) – echoed opposition to the proposal and the need to improve avenues to recycling food service containers and plastic bags.

“This sends the wrong message to the people of California,” said Mike Rogge, a CMTA spokesperson. “We urge the Governor to table this measure as a concrete way to protect the state’s economy and jobs.”

In addition to the threat to manufacturing jobs, the OPC’s proposal would harm small businesses, including retailers and restaurants.

The coalition invited the OPC and Governor to work with industry to curb litter by building up California’s recycling infrastructure and generating greater consumer awareness.

“Rather than unnecessarily punishing workers and consumers, it is far more constructive to expand recycling opportunities,” said Tim Shestek of the American Chemistry Council, a member of the coalition. “We’ve seen a lot of success at the local level when we collaborate on these types of issues to prevent litter.”

For the American Chemistry Council
Stevan Allen, 916-448-1336 or 916-718-2999