Single-Use Plastics Regulation Survey

The City of Fayetteville places a high value on clean water and our natural environment. We rely on these resources for recreation, tourism, and for clean drinking water. During a recent stream cleanup of Town Branch Creek in Fayetteville (a tributary to the White River and Beaver Lake, which is the drinking water supply for Northwest Arkansas), we found that plastic and Polystyrene / Styrofoam™ were the most common litter in the creek, comprising up 26% (by volume) of total litter. Another national study found that 25 – 35% (by volume) of landfills are composed of Polystyrene / Styrofoam™ products.

The City of Fayetteville is interested in exploring ways to reduce this waste and litter in our community, including a possible citywide ban or fee on plastic bags and other single-use plastics. As part of this study, the City asked Fayetteville residents, visitors, and businesses to provide input.

You can view the results of the resident and business surveys at left.

Conclusion

On November 5, 2019, Fayetteville City Council passed an ordinance banning the use of single-use expanded polystyrene foam (commonly known by the brand name Styrofoam^TM) plates, bowls, cups, clamshells, cups, and similar products by any establishment providing prepared, ready-to-eat food or drink. View the ordinance here.

To learn more about the City's ban on EPS, click here.