Hollywood is cracking down on a ban of plastics east of the Intracoastal, and it’s only taken 44 years.
Actually, we’re really lucky that we can enforce it, says Cat Uden, Broward Chair of Surfrider and South Florida Campaign Organizer for Oceana. A recent law passed by Tallahassee would allow the state to sue any city that tried to pass such a ban enacted now, but Hollywood is grandfathered in.
Beginning October 1, according to Chapter 97.05 of the City of Hollywood Code of Ordinances, (Ord. O-74-85, passed 8-7-74) any establishment located east of the Intracoastal Waterway selling food intended for consumption by customers off the premises of their business, is included in the ban.
That includes anything made of styrofoam commonly used in takeout containers, disposable coffee cups, single-use utensils, and dinnerware. Cups, lids, straws, plates, bowls, utensils, sandwich containers, or other packaging, which are made of plastic, polystyrene plastic, or of any nonbiodegradable material are also banned.
For more information on the ordinance, call the City of Hollywood Code Compliance Division at 954.921.3061.
Click here to view the Reusable Foodware Service Guide, published by the Clean Water Fund. Click here to learn more about becoming a Surfrider Foundation certified “Ocean Friendly Restaurant.” Or email chair@broward.surfrider.org.