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Small business owners unify against San Diego styrofoam ban

Business owners unify against Styrofoam ban
Posted at 9:25 AM, Oct 14, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-14 19:05:54-04

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- Friday, small businesses throughout San Diego came together against a proposed ban of Styrofoam and single-use plastics while proponents are holding their ground, citing environmental impacts.

Some San Diego County cities voted to ban the Styrofoam containers at restaurants as part of an effort to clean up the environment.

Those in favor of the ban say it will help keep debris out of the ocean. Local restaurants, however, say they’re worried that banning the containers will force them to use more expensive products, an expense that some say would be passed along to customers.

RELATED: City votes 3-2 in favor of Styrofoam container ban  

Friday, some of San Diego’s small restaurant owners gathered outside San Diego City Council President Myrtle Cole’s office to drop off more than 50 letters voicing their opposition to the ban.

Business owners argue that San Diego already allows residents to recycle foam food containers in curbside blue bins.

RELATED: New California law limits single-use plastic straws in restaurants

Those against the measure also say the move would force restaurants to spend as much as 145 percent more on alternative containers.

Earlier in 2018, the City of San Diego Rules Committee voted 3-2 in favor of a Styrofoam and single-use plastic reduction ordinance. 

RELATED: California law makes milk or water default kids' meal drink

Monday, Councilmember Chris Ward plans to meet with proponents of the ban. The meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the City Administration Building.