Another reply from last week (sorry) Richard is also generally supportive of the proposals but plans to offer amendments that I highlight in bold. I think we're headed toward a compromise, here's Richard McIver's full reply.

You are among a large number of citizens who have emailed me to register support for the proposed 20 cent fee for plastic and paper grocery bags and a prohibition on Styrofoam food containers. Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) estimates 360 million disposable bags are used in the city every year, most made of plastic. They estimate that charging this modest fee for these specific grocery disposable bags will be cut by 70% or more, preventing the manufacture of 184 million bags per year.

The proposed ban on Styrofoam containers used by the food service industry would include such items as “clamshells,” plates, trays, and hot and cold beverage cups used at restaurants, delicatessens, fast food outlets, and coffee shops, and meat trays and egg cartons used at grocery stores. The legislation would also require all food service businesses to convert to compostable or locally recyclable disposable containers by July 1, 2010.

I support the goal of reducing the quantity that these items being added to our solid waste stream, or the litter generated by them. I also suspect that we will see cities across the nation adopting similar policies in the near future. I do, however, have some reservations and want to be sure the Council is taking enough time to fully explore ramifications and alternatives, both to consumers and businesses.

I am concerned about the impact of the bag fee on low income individuals and families, and intend to offer an amendment that would exempt food stamp recipients from having to pay the fee. (However, I certainly support the distribution of reusable bags to this population group so that they too can help us eliminate the unnecessary use of disposable bags.)

While I support switching to non-Styrofoam food containers, I am concerned about a blanket prohibition on the use of Styrofoam meat trays and whether there are really any satisfactory and affordable sanitary substitute products available to grocers. As such, I intend to offer an amendment to the ordinance that would exempt Styrofoam meat trays (not other Styrofoam products) for two additional years while the grocery industry continues to work at finding a suitable sanitary and affordable alternative. I am concerned about both the public safety and aesthetic issues associated with blood seepage from meat products.

I think it is very likely the Council will approve this proposal, and I would hope that my concerns will be addressed and that I will vote in favor. Be assured I will keep your comments in mind as the debate progresses.

Richard J. McIver
Seattle City Council