City staff propose changes to compostable food-service requirements

City staff propose changes to compostable food-service requirements

Bainbridge Island food businesses could be required to use home-compostable versions of additional cups, lids and serving containers in 2027. At the same time, city staff propose easing that requirement for certain takeout trays and breakfast platters because of cost.

The City Council is scheduled to consider the proposal on October 27.

Staff recommend adding cold-beverage cups, beverage lids, fry cups, plates or bowls measuring 3.5 inches or less, cups for hot food and ice cream, and lids for those cups to the list of items that businesses must provide in home-compostable form.

Staff also recommend removing takeout and catering trays and breakfast platters with multiple compartments or one large compartment. Their report says the home-compostable versions no longer meet the city’s cost test.

The city’s published evaluation method uses a 15 percent cost-difference threshold to determine whether home-compostable products are sufficiently affordable to require businesses to purchase them. Staff generally compare their prices with industrially compostable equivalents, using the midpoint of the surveyed price range for each type of product.

Removing the trays and platters from the mandatory list would give businesses more purchasing options. They could use industrially compostable products or recyclable alternatives that meet the city’s remaining requirements. Businesses could also continue choosing compliant home-compostable versions.

The distinction concerns how the products break down after use. Home-compostable products can decompose under nonindustrial conditions. Industrially compostable products require the controlled conditions of a commercial composting facility. Home-compostable items also meet the City’s standards, but are not required.

Cost is one of three factors the city considers when reviewing the list annually. Staff also assess whether suitable products are available from at least two manufacturers and whether they perform adequately, including complaints about leaks or other failures that could harm people or property.

The proposed resolution identifies January 1, 2027, as the effective date. Council adoption is still required.

Several details in the council packet need clarification. The staff recommendation lists fry cups, while the resolution lists fry papers. A supporting table refers to hot-beverage cups where the recommendation and resolution specify cold beverages. Some attachments retain references to 2026, and the agenda calls for adoption while the staff recommendation calls for forwarding the resolution to a later meeting.

Businesses should check the final adopted list before changing their purchasing practices.