What is Expanded Polystyrene and Why is the City Prohibiting the Use of It?
Expanded polystyrene, most commonly known as Styrofoam, is a petroleum by-product that is neither readily recyclable nor biodegradable and takes hundreds to thousands of years to degrade in the environment. Products that are made from expanded polystyrene can include, but are not limited to, plates, bowls, cups, containers lids, trays, coolers, ice chests, food containers, etc. It can fragment into smaller pieces that can be ingested by marine life and other wildlife, thus harming and killing them and constitutes a portion of the litter in the City’s streets, parks, public places, and waterways.
The City Commission of the City of Coral Gables declares that it is in the best interest of the public health, safety, and welfare of its residents and visitors to reduce litter and pollutants on the land and in the waters of the City. The goal of the ordinance is promote replacing expanded polystyrene items with reusable, recyclable, or compostable alternatives whenever possible thus helping remove it from the waste stream. To help lead by example, the City has ceased purchasing products that are made of expanded polystyrene.
Signed Coral Gables Expanded Polystyrene Ordinance 2016-08 (PDF)
Who Does the Prohibition Apply To?
Exceptions:
When is the Prohibition Being Implemented?
On January 1, 2017 , Code Enforcement began issuing tickets for violations of the Ordinance.
Coral Gables Plastics and Expanded Polystyrene Educational Flyer [PDF]
Alternatives to Expanded Polystyrene (Styrofoam) to Consider
Additional Resources
Reference in this site to any specific commercial product, process, or service, or the use of any trade, firm or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the City of Coral Gables.
If you have any additional questions on the expanded polystyrene ordinance please call Matt Anderson at 305-460-5008 or email manderson@coralgables.com