South Florida Sun-Sentinel Palm Beach (Sunday)
Boynton bans vendor use of foam, balloons, confetti
BOYNTON BEACH — Vendors in Boynton Beach will no longer be allowed to use polystyrene foam products, more commonly known as Styrofoam, at concerts and other events on city property, thanks to a new city ordinance.
The ban, meant to reduce harmful waste and protect animals, will be phased in starting May 1.
The measure, approved by the city commission on Tuesday, also prohibits vendor use of balloons and confetti.
“Confetti is often made of plastic, and it could also be made of metallic bits or other things that stay in the environment,” Rebecca Harvey, Boynton Beach’s sustainability coordinator, said Wednesd a y. “A n d b a l l o o n s, of course, blow away. Whether they’re helium or not, they’re going to go far and wide and they’re very harmful…They’re often mistaken for food and can kill animals, as well.”
Private citizens, however, will not be subject to the ordinance.
“That was an important issue with our commission, not wanting to financially burden our residents,” Harvey said, adding that citizens who rent city facilities, such as park pavilions, can get a discounted rate if they choose to take the “Pass on Plastics Pledge.”
There will be a 12-month “educational period” during which fines will not be enforced, Harvey said.
Thereafter, the first offense would result in a warning. Subsequent offenses would include fines up to $50.
Non-compliance could also result in contract revocation, meaning the city could terminate a vendor’s contract or withdraw special-event permits.
Boynton Beach joins other local municipalities, such as Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Dania Beach and Deerfield Beach, in banning Styrofoam containers.