SWAMPSCOTT — The Solid Waste Advisory Committee voted unanimously to approve the final draft of a proposed bylaw that would strongly regulate the use of plastics commonly used for takeout containers, straws, and single-use utensils.
If passed, the Regulations on Plastic Containers and Food Establishments bylaw would prohibit food establishments, or businesses that prepare and serve food, from distributing takeout containers or utensils made from polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam, polyvinyl chloride, black plastic, or any plastic that can not be recycled in Swampscott.
The bylaw also prohibits food establishments from using takeout or disposable beverage containers lined with “intentionally-added” PFAS chemicals. These forever-lasting and potentially toxic chemicals often coat water-resistant products.
SWAC Chair Wayne Spritz said that since traces of PFAS molecules can be found everywhere, the bylaw only bans containers and utensils with intentionally added PFAS chemicals.
“It (PFAS) is so pervasive that it can be found almost everywhere, whether or not it’s coming from a recycled product. It just never ever breaks down, so you can always find trace amounts of it. The idea is that the manufacturers can’t always control what their supply comes in as, but they can control the fact that they’re not adding anything to it,” Spritz said.
Spritz added that one of the most common concerns he heard from the public about the bylaw was its impact on paper or compostable containers or cups, which are typically lined with prohibited chemicals.
Although the Board decided not to include cups and containers constructed almost exclusively with paper or compostable material, Spritz said some common lining materials used in most paper takeout containers or cups can dissolve into beverages, posing a risk to consumers and an environmental hazard.
SWAC member Jonathan Gold explained that while there are currently no laws regulating the manufacturing of recyclable and non-toxic cup lining materials, several Extended Producer Responsibility bills on the state and federal levels would regulate American plastic production accordingly.
“In Europe now, billions and billions of cups are being sold with a recyclable coating, and that’s because the laws are in place. We don’t have that here, but we do have that coming down the road,” Gold said. “I believe those laws will change the whole game plan in that cups are going to have to come out with coatings that are recyclable.”
The bylaw will be considered by the Board of Health and the Select Board on Wednesday evening. If both boards approve it, a Town Meeting vote in May will follow.
