All who attended the March SCCA Member Meeting heard in detail about the new City of Minneapolis “Environmentally Acceptable Packaging Ordinance” that goes into effect on Earth Day – April 22. This ordinance requires that “food and beverages prepared for immediate consumption and to-go must be placed in environmentally acceptable packaging. In addition, recyclable materials must be recycled and compostable materials must be composted.”
Our meeting presenters, Leslie Foreman of the Minneapolis Health Department and Bill Williams, Deli Manager at Seward Co-op, gave valuable information and answered questions about the new rules and packaging options. A 12-month variance is available for businesses who are having difficulty finding cost-effective products. Here’s an overview:
Who is Affected? Everyone who serves or gives away food prepared for immediate consumption, including:
- Restaurants
- Grocery store deli cases
- Food trucks & mobile vendors
- Temporary, short term & seasonal food vendors
What is ‘Environmentally Acceptable’? Reusable, recyclable or compostable, including:
- Glass & aluminum
- Plastics labeled 1, 2 and 5
- Compostable containers (BPI Certified)
What is No Longer Allowed:
- ‘Styrofoam’ (expanded polystyrene)
- Rigid polystyrene – plastic marked ‘6’
Exemptions:
- Knives, forks, spoons & straws
- Hot/cold cups lined with plastic and lids (exempt until 2017)
- Hospitals & nursing homes
- Catering companies
The City’s webpage, http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/GreenToGo has loads of information including a supplier list for purchasing sustainable packaging products and a link to the Hennepin County business recycling grant web page. Contact leslie.foreman@minneapolismn.gov with further questions.
Thanks to Soberfish Restaurant for hosting this month’s Member Meeting.
