On October 20, 2014, the Pasadena City Council unanimously moved to adopt the Department of Public Works’ (DPW) final draft Zero Waste Strategic Plan (ZWP). The plan formally recommends the adoption of a local polystyrene policy in the "short-term" (2014-17).
The agenda item kicked off with a presentation by Public Works staff member Deborah Salzman, who summarized the key features of the ZWP, its development over the past three years, and public outreach and involvement in the process.
According to Ms. Salzman, the ZWP was prepared to be consistent with City policies adopted over time, such as Pasadena being signatory to the Urban Environmental Accords.
Ms. Salzman also highlighted that several of the 19 initiatives proposed in the draft ZWP -- aimed at diverting 87% of Pasadena's waste from landfills by 2040 -- are necessary for the City to conform to new state laws (e.g. AB1594 and AB1826) that require municipalities to reduce landfill waste and limit pollution to the state’s rivers, bays, estuaries, waterways, and the Pacific Ocean.
The agenda item kicked off with a presentation by Public Works staff member Deborah Salzman, who summarized the key features of the ZWP, its development over the past three years, and public outreach and involvement in the process.
According to Ms. Salzman, the ZWP was prepared to be consistent with City policies adopted over time, such as Pasadena being signatory to the Urban Environmental Accords.
Ms. Salzman also highlighted that several of the 19 initiatives proposed in the draft ZWP -- aimed at diverting 87% of Pasadena's waste from landfills by 2040 -- are necessary for the City to conform to new state laws (e.g. AB1594 and AB1826) that require municipalities to reduce landfill waste and limit pollution to the state’s rivers, bays, estuaries, waterways, and the Pacific Ocean.
Public Support
18 members of the public made the effort to attend the Council Meeting to provide public comment in person on the draft plan. 16 spoke in favor of approving the ZWP and pressing forward with a polystyrene ban.
Supporters cited a long-list of reasons for phasing out the foam, from the intractable environmental problems associated with its production, use and disposal, to the potential impacts to public health. Among these speakers were representatives from several local organizations, including Transition Pasadena, Day One, Waste Less Living, and the Arroyo Seco Foundation.
2 spoke in favor of delay or in opposition to a polystyrene ban: the President of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce urged the Council to direct staff to further communicate with business interests prior to approving the ZWP, and a lobbyist for Dart Industries (the nation’s largest producer of polystyrene take out containers) urged the Council to dismiss the ban.
Supporters cited a long-list of reasons for phasing out the foam, from the intractable environmental problems associated with its production, use and disposal, to the potential impacts to public health. Among these speakers were representatives from several local organizations, including Transition Pasadena, Day One, Waste Less Living, and the Arroyo Seco Foundation.
2 spoke in favor of delay or in opposition to a polystyrene ban: the President of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce urged the Council to direct staff to further communicate with business interests prior to approving the ZWP, and a lobbyist for Dart Industries (the nation’s largest producer of polystyrene take out containers) urged the Council to dismiss the ban.
Council Support for ZWP, Local POly-POlicy
After hearing from City staff and the public, Council Members clarified that the plan was a road map, not a detailed list of pre-approved policies, for the City to meet new state requirements to reduce waste and local desires to keep Pasadena on a path to more sustainable operations and development.
All Council Members who spoke commended the Department for the final draft ZWP plan. Council Member Kennedy and Mayor Bogaard spoke specifically about their interest in a polystyrene ban, both urging that the issue come to Council “sooner rather than later.” Following Council discussion, Council Member Margaret McAustin moved to adopt the plan as proposed, an action that was quickly seconded by both Council Members Kennedy and Tornek. The motion subsequently was approved unanimously by those present; two Council Members were absent - Victor Gordo and Steve Madison.
All Council Members who spoke commended the Department for the final draft ZWP plan. Council Member Kennedy and Mayor Bogaard spoke specifically about their interest in a polystyrene ban, both urging that the issue come to Council “sooner rather than later.” Following Council discussion, Council Member Margaret McAustin moved to adopt the plan as proposed, an action that was quickly seconded by both Council Members Kennedy and Tornek. The motion subsequently was approved unanimously by those present; two Council Members were absent - Victor Gordo and Steve Madison.