This week, the City Council voted to declare a climate emergency and directed staff to return by the end of the year with an implementation plan and cost analysis for three new laws that support sustainability, which is one of nine core values that makes up the Carlsbad Community Vision. The new laws would include:
A ban on single-use plastics and polystyrene products, commonly called Styrofoam.
A requirement that restaurants offering take out provide straws, napkins and utensils only upon request.
Prohibiting the release of balloons at civic events and promotional events or for advertising.
The City Council asked staff to include in its implementation plan a 12-month period for the city to phase out the use of single use plastics and polystyrene, which would include education and resources to the community about the changes and give businesses plenty of time to prepare. These new laws would become part of the city’s overall plan to reduce waste going to landfills. The city created the sustainable materials management plan in 2019 to ensure it was ready to comply with current and new state regulations. One of the big changes in state law is the requirement to recycle organic waste, such as food scraps and lawn clippings.
State Organics Law
The state of California has been phasing in a new requirement to separate organic waste, and in mid 2022 Carlsbad residents will begin to recycle food scraps and other similar organic materials in their green bin. The law also requires businesses to have a new container for organic material. The city is required to expand an edible food recovery program and raise awareness about organic waste in the community.
New Trash Hauler
July 1, 2022, Republic Services will take over from Waste Management as the City of Carlsbad’s contracted waste hauler. Republic’s recycling coordinators will begin visiting Carlsbad businesses in October to let them know about the new organic recycling rules and determine how to best help them comply.
Declaration of a climate emergency
The city’s official declaration of a climate emergency is part of a worldwide effort to raise awareness of the impacts of climate change and instill a greater sense of urgency to address it. The declaration affirms the city’s current sustainability efforts and ongoing commitment to protecting the environment.
City’s commitment to sustainability
The Sustainable Materials Management Plan, the official name of the city’s plan to cut down on waste going to landfills, is one of several efforts to be a more sustainable city:
The Clean Energy Alliance, a partnership among Carlsbad, Del Mar and Solana Beach, launched in May, providing residents and businesses with a choice of where their power comes from, including more renewable source:
The city’s Climate Action Plan will reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 20 percent of 1990 levels by 2050
Adding solar panels to city buildings and parking lots helps offset the city’s energy usage
The city’s fleet now includes electric and hybrid vehicles, and the city has installed public charging stations at parks and in the Village
Switching streetlights to low-energy use, long lasting bulbs citywide has reduced energy consumption and will save the city money in the long run
Next steps
Staff will return to the City Council by December 2021 with a plan that updates the Carlsbad Municipal Code to comply with the new state law and lays out the process, cost and timeline for implementing the other proposed changes.
More information
Staff Report and Sustainable Materials Management Implementation Plan
Staff contact
James Wood, Environmental Management Director
james.wood@carlsbadca.gov
760-602-7584
