County Disposable Plastic Policy
Plastic Policy and Ordinance Directory
Due to the finding that disposable plastic is harmful to our environment and contributes to the potential death of marine and avian life Mayor Derek Kawakami has declared that the County shall prohibit the purchase, use, or distribution of disposable plastics with County funds, at County permitted events, by County employees, or by County Facility Users. This shall be done in order to protect public health, reduce litter, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore the County will invest in environmentally preferred alternatives to disposable plastics.
To view the Policy in its entirety please click here- Policy to Prohibit the Purchase, Use, or Distribution of Disposable Plastics on County Property(PDF, 305KB) .
Please see the list of Acceptable compostable alternatives(XLSX, 35KB) (Excel Spreadsheet)- Includes containers, utensils, cups, and stirrers.
Disposable Plastics Policy Definitions
All definitions are included in the Mayor's Policy.
Below is a summary of key topics covered in the policy.
“County Facility" means any building, structure, or vehicle owned and operated by the County, its agents, agencies, and departments and includes County buildings, structures, parks, recreation facilities, or property.
"Compostable" means materials that are able to undergo biological decomposition or become part of usable compost in a safe and timely manner, either in an appropriate composting program or facility, or in a home compost pile or device. For foodservice containers containing plastics to qualify as compostable, such food service containers must meet ASTM Standard D6400 for Compostable Plastics, or ASTM Standard D6868 for biodegradable plastic film, as amended.
“Disposable Plastic” means Bottled Water, Plastic Bags, Plastic Beverage Straws, Plastic Cutlery, Plastic Food Service Containers, and Plastic Stirrers defined in the policy.
Compostable Food Service Containers
There are several companies on Kaua‘i that carry compostable food service containers that would be allowed under the proposed Restriction of the Use and Sale of Polystyrene Foam Food Service Containers.
Hopaco-Officemax - 808-246-9257
Jimmy's Sales - 808-246-0444
Triple F / Ventures - 808-246-4886
Costco and Walmart in Līhu‘e have also started carrying compostable supplies for events.
There are also online vendors that supply comparable containers, quantities, and styles.
When purchasing containers please be aware of the following definitions:
"ASTM Standard" means the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
"ASTM Standard D6400" means the ASTM specification for plastics and products that are designed to be composted in municipal and industrial aerobic composting facilities.
"ASTM Standard D6868" means the ASTM specification establishing the requirements for labeling of materials and products (including packaging) wherein a biodegradable plastic film or coating is attached to compostable substrates and the entire product or package is designed to be composted in municipal and industrial aerobic composting facilities.
"Compostable" means materials that are able to undergo biological decomposition or become part of usable compost in a safe and timely manner either in an appropriate composting program or facility, or in a home compost pile or device. Food service containers containing plastics to qualify as compostable, such food service containers must meet ASTM Standard D6400 for Compostable Plastics or ASTM Standard D6868 for biodegradable plastic film.
Disposable plastics Policy FAQ
Who is affected by this policy?
All persons, societies, associations, organizations, or special event promoters who require a permit or reservation to use or rent a County facility or a permit or contract to use a sidewalk or roadway. County facility users also include concession contracts with the County at County facilities, County managed concessions, County sponsored events, charitable fundraisers at County facilities, concessions at County sporting facilities, and food services provided at County expense.
What items are prohibited under the policy?
Plastic Cutlery - Means a utensil such as a fork, spoon, or knife, made predominantly of plastic derived from petrolium and intended for a one-time use. There are compostable alternatives on the market, and reusable cutlery is recommended.
Plastic Beverage Straws - Means a tube made predominantly of plastic derived from petroleum for transferring a beverage from its container to the mouth of the drinker. "Plastic Beverage Straw" does not include compostable polymer forms or those that are made from non-plastic materials such as paper, grain, stalks, bamboo, etc.
Plastic Food Service Container- Means plates, trays, cups, bowls, cartons and hinged or lidded containers ade predominantly of plastic derived from petrolium and intended for a one-time use. a tube made predominantly of plastic derived from petrolium and intended for a one-time use. There are compostable alternatives on the market, and resuable items are recommended.
Plastic Stirrer - Means a device used to mix beverages inteneded for one time use. There are stirrers made from wood and bamboo on the market.
Bottled Water- The County recommends using reusable water bottles or serving water from jugs in to reusable cups for events.
Plastic Bags- Heavy duty reusable bags lasts longer than 700 disposable plastic bags and only 20% of paper bags are recycled, so you'll do your part to help our environment by using reusable bags.
Who do I contact if I have questions about the policy?
Contact Allison Fraley at 241-4837 for questions or concerns about the policy.
