Single-Use Plastic Foodware Ban

California Ave (Palo Alto) Farmers' Market

FULL COMPLIANCE due MARCH 1, 2020

A Multi-Tactic Approach to Reducing Use of Single-Use Compostable Bags

Portable- Reusable Utensils

Portable- Reusable Utensils

Reusable Cups + Straws

Reusable Cups + Straws

Eco-Straw-in_glass_540x.jpg
 
Compostable Paper Sample Spoons

Compostable Paper Sample Spoons

FOOD VENDORS

Vendors who serve or sample with utensils, straws, and stirrers must only offer Compostable or Reusable versions.

Offer these items only upon request or via a self-serve station. You can download and print this sign: Available Upon Request sign.

For a list of certified compostable vendors visit BPI Certified Foodware website.

There are many online restaurant supply stores that offer compostable utensils, straws, and stirrers as well as bags.

UVFM is reviewing options for providing reusable utensils for sale to customers, and other incentives to reduce the use of compostables. 

ZERO WASTE WEBSITE:

https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/depts/pwd/zerowaste/projects/foodware.asp

Suggestions for meeting new requirements:

  1. Use up your existing stock at other market locations.

  2. Return un-opened boxes.

  3. Decide on how to address new requirements. 

  • Vendors who serve or sample with utensils, straws, and stirrers must only offer Compostable or Reusable versions.

  • Offer these items only upon request or via a self-serve station. UVFM will provide you with this sign to post at your booth: Available Upon Request sign.

  • For a list of certified compostable vendors visit BPI Certified Foodware website. There are many online restaurant supply stores that offer compostable utensils, straws, and stirrers as well as bags.

Ideas to Consider 

  • Incentives (discount or accrued stamps on a loyalty card) to customers who bring their own reusable wares.

  • Dis-incentives, like a surcharge, for requesting a compostable fork

  • A deposit system for "borrowing" reusable metal forks and a dirty bucket for washing.

  • Selling custom branded reusable utensils to customers.

                                           
Any questions please contact UVFM at Info@UVFM.org
or Zero Waste Palo Alto.                               
Email: zerowaste@cityofpaloalto.org.
Phone: (650) 496-5910.