Single-Use Plastics

The City of West Palm Beach (the City) is committed to environmental stewardship and leadership and finds that it is in the public interest, safety, and welfare of its citizens and visitors to reduce litter and pollutants on the lands and in the waters of the City. Discarded plastic straws and plastic stirrers, as well as other single-use plastic items, threaten wildlife and marine life, negatively impact the City’s stormwater management system and waterways, and litter the waterfront and waters within the City.

Plastic Straw and Stirrer Ban

On February 25, 2019, we introduced Ordinance 4836-19 to the City Commission to prohibit the distribution, sale or use of plastic straws and plastic stirrers. The ordinance was well accepted after the first reading with support from public speakers with Surfrider Foundation - Palm Beach County and Surface71 (a student organization). During the second reading on March 11, 2019, the ordinance unanimously passed and will go into effect on October 1, 2019. If you have any questions, please email Elaine in the Office of Sustainability (EChristian@wpb.org).

Report a Violation or Give Kudos

Click here to access the Google Form to give kudos to a local business for complying with the ordinance, or report a violation. Our goal is not to collect fines, but to keep plastics out of the environment. Businesses with reported violations will receive a personal visit first to provide details about the ordinance and offer assistance finding a good alternative for compliance. If businesses do not comply within a timely manner, violations may incur $125 per occurrence.

Bioplastics are NOT an Allowable Alternative

Products made from alternative non-plastic materials such as paper, rye wheat/hay, bamboo, reusable glass, steel, or metal straws are available as replacements for single-use plastic straws and stirrers. PLA #7 (bioplastic) is not an allowable alternative as scientific studies have shown that these products remain entirely intact for two or more years on land and in the ocean. Paper straws with a plastic lining must also be avoided. Businesses should consult their supplier for compliance or visit thelastplasticstraw.org for additional alternatives.

Go Beyond the Ordinance

Businesses and residents are encouraged to commit to eliminating and/or reducing the following single-use plastic items:

Resources

Plastic Straw Alternatives: https://thelastplasticstraw.org/resources/

Debris Free Oceans - Responsible Products: Click here for information

5 Gyres Better Alternatives Now (BAN) List 3.0 includes case studies on bioplastics and best alternatives for our planet

Plastic Pollution Coalition: 30 Alternatives to Plastic Straws