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COUNCIL POLICY 2.08 - SINGLE USE PLASTICS
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RECOMMENDATION
Review and discussion regarding replacing the current Council Policy 2.08 - Single-Use Plastics with a proposed policy titled Environmentally Sustainable Practices.
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Summary
At the request of the Environmental and Legislative Committee, staff has prepared a draft policy for review and discussion, replacing the current Council Policy on Single-Use Plastics with a broader policy supporting Environmentally Sustainable Practices, generally.
DISCUSSION
Background
In September 2022, by Resolution 2022-09-13-1205, the Stockton City Council adopted Council Policy 2.08 - Single-Use Plastics (Attachment A), following the recommendation of the Environmental and Legislative Committee appointed at that time.
The Single-Use Plastics policy was intended to address the prevalence and waste of single-use plastics in the City of Stockton. Specifically, the previous Committee sought to set an industry example by establishing rules restricting, promoting, and encouraging environmentally sustainable practices for the purchase and distribution of single-use plastics by City representatives and contractors.
The draft policy was presented to the full Council with the understanding that the policy, as drafted, was ambiguous and would likely lead to an increase in the cost of goods and services to the City. The policy and resolution would also make the City less attractive and less competitive in the solicitation of goods and services, thereby creating a potential impact on operations and service delivery. Staff also noted potential for possible adverse impacts on public health associated with the policy. Ultimately, the policy was approved by the full Council in September 2022.
Present Situation
The Environmental and Legislative Committee had a discussion regarding the implementation and functionality of the Single-Use Plastics policy during the Committee’s June 12, 2024, meeting. During this meeting staff participated in a discussion related to impacts on the purchasing of goods, providing services to the public at Community Centers and Libraries, services provided to the community through vendors/providers contracted by the City, as well as hosting or facilitating events in City owned/operated facilities (Civic Auditorium, Adventist Health Arena, etc.). The Committee also heard from community members and industry professionals supporting recycling and environmentally sustainable practices.
Following the June 12th discussion, the Committee asked staff to draft and propose a broader policy, generally supporting environmentally sustainable practices in City Government, to replace the current Council Policy on Single-Use Plastics.
Attached for the Committee’s review and consideration is a draft/proposed Council Policy 2.08 - Environmentally Sustainable Practices (Attachment B). If approved, the new proposed policy concerning Environmentally Sustainable Practices would be codified under Section 2.08. The remaining sections of Chapter 2.08 at 2.08.010 through 2.08.090, having been consolidated into 2.08, would be removed.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Impacts to the City’s General Fund, or other funds, are somewhat unknown, as the policy is ambiguous and total financial impacts to Citywide operations are difficult to quantify. City staff have noted an increase in expenses related to the purchasing of goods and supplies, however, it is difficult to confirm whether this is directly related to the Single-Use Plastics policy itself, a result of supply chain constraints and inflation, or a combination of both.