Santa Fe Standard

Santa Fe, NM - On March 26, 2024, the Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance 2024-06, prohibiting the use of single-use plastic and expanded polystyrene products across retail and restaurant establishments within unincorporated areas of Santa Fe County. The ordinance also encourages the use of reusable bags and establishes penalties for violations.

After a year of analysis and research, the Single-Use Plastic and Polystyrene (SUPP) working group, established by the Board of County Commissioners, revealed alarming data: Santa Fe County residents use an estimated 24 million single-use plastic bags annually. Furthermore, if each resident uses just one straw and one expanded polystyrene foam takeout container, approximately 66,656 foam containers would be consumed every year. This analysis led the working group to recommend a ban on single-use plastics while also promoting sustainable alternatives.

Businesses were given a six-month transition period to phase out single-use plastic bags and styrofoam products. Under the ordinance, restaurants and retail establishments are now required to adopt sustainable packaging materials such as paper, metal, and wood products for all point-of-sale and takeout packaging.

Products banned under the ordinance include:

- Single-Use Plastic Bags

- Styrofoam Plates

- Styrofoam Cups

- Styrofoam Food Containers

- Single-Use Plastic Stirrers

- Splash Guards for Cup Sip Openings

Retailers may provide upon request only:

- Single-Use Plastic Straws

- Plastic Utensils

- Condiment Packets

The public can access the final report, which includes additional resources on transitioning to compliant alternatives. To read the ordinance, visit the Santa Fe County website. Additional information is also available on the Sustainability Division’s Reduce, Reuse, Recycle webpage.

The ordinance will go into effect on Monday, September 23, 2024. Penalties for non-compliance are as follows:

First Offense: A fine of up to $50.

Second Offense: A fine of up to $150.

Third and Subsequent Offenses: A fine of up to $300 and/or up to three (3) days imprisonment.

Santa Fe County extends its gratitude to local businesses and residents for their commitment to reducing plastic waste in our community. "We acknowledge that the transition may pose challenges," stated county officials. "We remain dedicated to supporting businesses and residents through this change."

For questions about the ordinance and available resources, please contact Jacqueline Beam, Santa Fe County Sustainability Manager at (505) 992-9832 or via email at jybeam@santafecountynm.gov.

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