Prohibition of Plastic Products

  1. Prohibition of Plastic Straws and Stirrers
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Prohibition of Plastic Straws & Stirrers: On July 9, 2019, the Town of Palm Beach Town Council adopted Ordinance No. 23-2019, the prohibition of plastic straws and stirrers within the corporate limits of the Town of Palm Beach. The regulations included in the Ordinances will take effect on December 12, 2019 allowing for businesses to expend their current stock of plastic straws and stirrers. Thus, replacing these items with reusable, recyclable, or compostable alternatives whenever possible.

Why the Ban on Plastic Straws and Stirrers? Plastic straws are detrimental to our environment. They do not fully degrade, they overburden landfills, introduce unsafe chemicals into the environment, become litter and create hazards for land and aquatic animals due to ingestion, and create impediments to waste reduction and recycling goals, while creating unsightly litter. In the best interest of the public health, safety and welfare of our residents and visitors to reduce litter and pollutants on the land and in the waters in and surrounding the Town of Palm Beach.

Who Does the Prohibition Apply to?

1) Town Vendors/Contractors using Town Facilities

2) Special Event Permittees and their Subcontractors

3) Food Service Providers

4) Retail Establishments

The prohibition shall not apply to the following:

1) Pre-packaged beverages with plastic straws sold or distributed within the Town provided that such beverages are prepared and packaged outside the Town and are not altered, and/or packaged or repackaged within the Town

2) Medical or dental facilities.

3) Land or facilities owned and managed by the Palm Beach County School Board, Palm Beach County, State of Florida or the Federal Government.

4) The use of a straw by any disabled person that requires or relies on the use of a straw to consume beverages and/or food supplements.

5) Use during a locally declared emergency.

Enforcement of the Ordinance: 

After December 12, 2019, the Town will enforce this article by civil citation in accordance with Chapter 2, Article V, Section 2-439.

(photo source: strawfree.org)   








  1. Prohibition of Single-Use Plastic Bags
Detail-trash-can-filled-with-plastic_Shutterstock

Prohibition of Single-Use Plastic Bags: On June 11, 2019, the Town of Palm Beach Town Council adopted Ordinance No. 24-2019 to prohibit the use of expanded polystyrene containers and single-use carry out plastic bags within the corporate limits of the Town of Palm Beach. 

In the weeks following the Town Council approval of Ordinance No. 24-2019, The Town received a letter from the Florida Retail Federation and Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association requesting the Town to repeal the Ordinance based upon the regulation of plastic bags and polystyrene under Florida Statutes, Ch. 403.7033 and Ch. 500.90.

At the August 14, 2019 Town Council meeting, Emergency Ordinance No. 37-2019 was requested to repeal the previously approved ban to comply with preemptive state statute. At the October 10, 2019 meeting, Resolution 122-2019 was adopted to strongly encourage the State Legislature to approve Senate Bill 182 and any companion House Bills relating to the removing preemption language related to single-use plastic bags and polystyrene materials.

Mayor Coniglio has contacted other coastal municipalities to form a coalition in support of this effort, written the state legislature urging for their support in passing Senate Bill 182, and continues to push for Home Rule issues in Palm Beach, but we still need your help!

Why We Should Ban Single-Use Plastics?

Single-use plastic bags are detrimental to our environment. They do not fully degrade, they overburden landfills, introduce unsafe chemicals into the environment, become litter and create hazards for land and aquatic animals due to ingestion, and create impediments to waste reduction and recycling goals, while creating unsightly litter. In the best interest of the public health, safety and welfare of our residents and visitors to reduce litter and pollutants on the land and in the waters in and surrounding the Town of Palm Beach.

How Can I Help Support Mayor Coniglio's Efforts?

 1. Sign the Petition to pass Senate Bill 182 and change preemption laws for single-use plastics. To show your support, please click the link below to sign the petition.

2. Send an email or a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis using the information below:

Email Governor Ron DeSantis

Write a Letter to Governor Ron DeSantis

3. Get your friends and neighbors involved. Ask people that share your concerns to email and write to their elected representatives. The more people involved, the more impact we will have.

4. Use reusable bags for groceries and shopping.

5. Use reusable containers such as glass and metal.

6. Recycle at home and at work. Local grocery stores have bins to recycle plastic bags, plastic containers and paper products. 

(Photo: By DeawSS via Shutterstock)