Del Mar started a program to reduce waste from takeout containers, which is part of its Climate Action Program. | Adobe Stock
Del Mar started a program to reduce waste from takeout containers, which is part of its Climate Action Program. | Adobe Stock
Del Mar officials said that while COVID-19 created a big jump in takeout dining, there is a problem: increased stockpiles of the packaging used to wrap up orders.
Leaders who work in Downtown Del Mar are teaming up with restaurants and M'Porte Exchange Program, a San Diego company, to develop a zero-waste takeout program.
To join the container exchange program, clients pay a one-time payment of $25, the city said in a release about the new program. The customer orders a zero-waste takeout from restaurants participating in the program. Consumers are requested to rinse the container after the contents are consumed.
The customer will need to keep the container and turn it in when they order food again. At that time, the customer will receive a new container with their food order.
Del Mar officials banned single-use plastic bags, straws, stirrers and Styrofoam packaging in 2019. By banning these containers, the effort reduces solid waste and eventually achieves zero waste.
Officials said that less waste is a top goal of Del Mar's Climate Action Program.
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