Morro Bay considering Styrofoam ban

Morro Bay may be the next city to ban the use of Styrofoam.

The City Council has asked city staff to draft an ordinance banning Styrofoam from use in the community.

The council also requested at its meeting earlier this month that city staff reach out to businesses to educate them prior to the adoption of an ordinance.

In coming weeks and months, the city’s staff hopes to partner with the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Morro Bay Merchants Association on the issue, informing them of the potential ban and health hazards of expanded polystyrene, the generic form of the product known as Styrofoam, to the environment and human health.

Expanded polystyrene, used in food and drink containers, as well as packing materials and coolers, can leach into food and drinks when heated or when it comes into contact with hot foods. And it’s not recyclable.

Studies have shown that Styrofoam may cause irritation to the nose, eyes and throat, and, in high concentrations, cause fatigue, irritation, and a decrease in concentration ability, according to a fact sheet put out by Harvard University.

The city of San Luis Obispo has already banned Styrofoam and Pismo Beach is of considering a ban as well.

No other cities in the county have officially implemented a ban.

More information on the issue will be provided on Morro Bay’s website, http://morro-bay-ca.us, as staff works on an ordinance and education materials, said Sam Taylor, Morro Bay’s deputy city manager.

This story was originally published September 21, 2015 at 3:38 PM with the headline "Morro Bay considering Styrofoam ban."