The San Francisco Port Commission this week approved a new policy for Zero Waste Events and Activities on port property for events with a total expected attendance of 5,000 or more people, restricting the sale, use and distribution of certain plastic bags, plastic bottles, plastic food ware and the release of balloons.
Published: March, 2012
The San Francisco Port Commission this week approved a new policy for Zero Waste Events and Activities on port property for events with a total expected attendance of 5,000 or more people, restricting the sale, use and distribution of certain plastic bags, plastic bottles, plastic food ware and the release of balloons.
The Port of San Francisco has worked closely with the City’s Department of the Environment to address issues associated with waste generated at large events along the waterfront.
"This policy ensures that events at the Port of San Francisco will be even more sustainable and in keeping with the great beauty of this waterfront and the San Francisco Bay," said San Francisco Port Commission President Doreen Woo Ho. "The support and expertise of San Francisco Environment was essential in developing this landmark policy."
The Port is host to numerous events on Port property each year including fundraising walks and runs, tailgate parties at athletic events, Fourth of July Celebration, Oktoberfest, Fleet Week, New Year’s Eve Celebration and the 34th America’s Cup events.
Large outdoor events of this size typically generate a variety of plastic wastes from the sale of water in single-use bottles, the use of non-compostable plastic food ware and the distribution of plastic bags to customers for food, merchandise and souvenirs. Along the Port’s facilities, the inherent challenges of waste management at a large event are compounded by a windy environment and proximity to the San Francisco Bay.
"We were pleased to collaborate with the Port on their new zero waste event policy," said Melanie Nutter, director of San Francisco’s Department of Environment. "This policy encapsulates many of the sustainability goals and policies that the City already has in place and adds new components to make it comprehensive. All events on Port property will play a role in helping to safeguard our Bay and our environment from plastic debris and other waste."
HIGHLIGHTS OF ZERO WASTE EVENTS POLICY
• The sale, use and distribution of single-use plastic water bottles are prohibited.
• The sale, use and distribution of single-use disposable plastic bags are prohibited.
• The sale, use and distribution of single-use non-compostable plastic food ware are prohibited.
• All compostable plastic food service ware must meet ASTM D-6400 (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards for compostable plastics and have BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) certification (www.BPIworld.org).
• The intentional release of balloons on Port property in connection with an Event subject to this Policy is prohibited.
• The policy for Zero Waste Events and Activities also serves as non-mandatory goals for events and activities with expected attendance of fewer than 5,000 people.
• The Port Commission may grant a waiver of any of the provisions of this policy, in its sole discretion.
"Pervasive plastics, such as plastic bags, bottles and food ware, pollute San Francisco Bay, threatening wildlife, spoiling water quality and degrading our recreational areas," said Save The Bay Executive Director David Lewis. "We are pleased with the Port Commission’s leadership in reducing this harmful pollution."
