HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0664.174 2014-2016 A
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GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Department of Energy and Environment
COUNTY CLERIC
COUNTY OF HAWAII
RECEIVED
Time 3:ao v
Date s 3I W.N
County of Hawaii—County Council
Committee on Environmental Management
Dennis Onishi, Chair
District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment Testimony
Bill 140
Tuesday,May 3, 2016, 3:00 PM
West Hawaii Civic Center
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
(06417
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* * * DEPARTMENT WE ARE
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ENVIRONMENT 1200 First Street NE, 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20002 I (202)535-2600 I doee.dc.gov Dc
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Good afternoon, Chair Onishi, and members of the Committee on Environmental Management.
My name is Christopher Kibler. On behalf of the Government of the District of Columbia,
Mayor Muriel Bowser, and the Director of the Department of Energy and Environment (the
Department), I am here to speak about our Department's experience implementing a ban on
expanded polystyrene (EPS) food containers in the nation's capital. Based on our preparation,
education and outreach, and the preliminary results of implementation, we have found that
banning EPS is a feasible and effective way to improve environmental health.
The District's ban on expanded polystyrene food containers—the "foam ban" for short—took
effect on January 1, 2016. Any business, nonprofit organization, or government agency that
serves food is not permitted to use disposable food service products made of EPS. The District's
ban is statutory and in no way tied to the availability of recycling programs. That being said, it is
not economically viable to recycle EPS in the greater Washington area.
The District's foam ban was passed in 2014 after environmental monitoring data indicated that
EPS is a common pollutant in the District's waterways. A 2008 baseline study of trash in the
Anacostia River found that EPS was one of the four most common types of trash pollution in the
river, along with plastic bags, beverage containers, and snack wrappers. A subsequent study in
2015 also indicated that EPS is a common water pollutant. Now that foam bans are taking effect
in the District and two neighboring jurisdictions, we expect to see a substantial decline in EPS
pollution in the river. This builds on the success of the District's disposable bag fee, which has
resulted in a 72% reduction in the number of plastic bags found in the river since the fee took
effect in 2010.
Prior to our ban taking effect, many stakeholders were concerned about the feasibility of phasing
out EPS products across the city. The District conducted an extensive six-month public education
campaign to inform regulated entities about the requirements of the law. This campaign included
door-to-door canvassing in major commercial corridors, three direct mailings to all regulated
businesses, a public tip line for residents to report entities using EPS products, paid advertising,
earned media, and social media. In total, Department staff spoke to nearly 400 businesses in
person (approximately 10% of all regulated businesses) and reached several thousand more
through our print materials.
In the first month of the ban, the Department inspected 50 businesses, most of which used EPS
products prior to the ban. 85% of these businesses had stopped using EPS products by the time
they were inspected. Since many businesses have never used EPS products, the overall
compliance rate is likely 95% or higher.
The reduction in pollution from the District's foam ban will likely result in substantial benefits
for human and environmental health. EPS is a particularly insidious pollutant because it is
lightweight,breaks up easily, and does not biodegrade. Wind or rain transports EPS to storm
drains and water bodies, where it breaks into small pieces that are nearly impossible to remove.
When plastic enters the environment, it slowly degrades into microscopic particles known as
microplastics. Contaminants such as oil and grease often adhere to microplastics. Plankton and
other small animals eat these plastic particles, causing plastic and contaminants to bioaccumulate
in the food chain. Legislation to prevent plastic pollution at its source, such as bans on EPS and
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disposable bag fees, can help mitigate these hazards to human and environmental health, while
also promoting waste diversion and sustainability.
In short, the District has found that is.feasible to successfully implement a ban on EPS food
service products with adequate education and compliance assistance for regulated entities. It is
an economically-viable way to reduce trash pollution in our waterways and to improve human
and environmental health. _
Thank you. I am happy to answer any questions.
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