The Albany County Legislature finds and determines that:
A. Littered plastic products, including straws, stirrers and plastic
cutlery, have caused and continue to cause significant environmental
harm and have burdened local governments with significant environmental
cleanup costs. Plastics synthesized from petroleum and natural gas
do not biodegrade. Even with the emergence of bioplastics, which are
derived from renewable biomass sources, such as plants and microorganisms,
there is no certified type of bioplastic that biodegrades in a marine
environment.
B. The Albany County Legislature prioritizes the protection of the environment
and through public policymaking and adoption of local laws intends
to take initiative to minimize the unnecessary use of plastic in our
environment. A reduction in the use of plastic straws, stirrers and
cutlery will further serve Albany County's goal of reducing plastic
litter.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
BEVERAGE PROVIDER
Any business, organization, entity, group or individual located
in the County that offers liquid, slurry, frozen, semi-frozen or other
forms of beverages to the public for consumption.
FOOD SERVICE WARE
All containers, bowls, plates, trays, cups, lids, napkins
and other like items that are designed for one-time use for prepared
foods, including, without limitation, service ware for takeout foods
and/or leftovers from partially consumed meals prepared by food vendors.
The term "food service ware" does not include items composed of aluminum.
PLASTIC BEVERAGE STRAW
A tube made predominantly of plastic derived from either
petroleum or a biologically based polymer for transferring a beverage
from its container to the mouth of the drinker. "Plastic beverage
straw" includes compostable and biodegradable petroleum or biologically
based polymer straws, but does not include straws that are made from
nonplastic materials, such as paper, grain stalks, bamboo, etc.
PLASTIC CUTLERY
Any utensil, such as a fork, spoon, spork or knife, made
predominantly of plastic derived from either petroleum or a biologically
based polymer intended for only one-time use. "Plastic cutlery" includes
compostable and biodegradable petroleum or biologically based polymer
forms of cutlery, but does not include forms of cutlery that are made
from nonplastic materials, such as wood, bamboo, etc.
This article shall take effect six months after the date of
enactment.