The San Marcos River Foundation has sent out the following information regarding the City of San Marcos’ ban on single-use disposable beverage containers (slightly edited by me). The ordinance provides for certain “Go Zones” where these containers will still be permitted, but these zones do not extend all of the way down to the waterline (see the map of Rio Vista, below).
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Single-Use Disposable Beverage Container Ban:
If you haven’t already heard, we are thrilled to report that the City of San Marcos passed the proposed Single-Use Disposable Beverage Container Ban in February! This ordinance will go into effect on May 1st, and will include any disposable beverage containers within city limits both in the river and along the riverside park system. There will be many “Go Zones,” or exemptions to the rule where children and families often picnic, but “No Zones,” or places where the ban is enacted will have clear signage in both English and Spanish, as well as easily identifiable photos for quick reference.
Here is the exact verbiage from the February 6 Agenda Packet for you to peruse:
- January 16, 2024 - The City Council received a staff presentation and provided direction regarding the implementation of a single-use beverage container prohibition. The following was the direction provided to staff for purposes of drafting an Ordinance for future consideration:
- 1. The use of single-use beverage containers will be prohibited in the public waterway and in designated "No Zones" within the riverfront parks.
- 2. However, single-use beverage containers will still be allowed in designated "Go Zones". "No Zones" will be clearly marked with signage and included on our existing large park maps within the riverfront parks. We will also make the map available on our website to allow people to plan their visit in advance.
- 3. There will be a limit of one 30qt cooler per person on the public waterway, but no limitations within the riverfront parks themselves.
- 4. Open containers with a volume capacity of five fluid ounces or less will be prohibited in both the public waterway and the riverfront parks. However, capri sun pouches or juice boxes, which are generally 6oz, will still be allowed.
- 5. The fenced areas of Ramon Lucio Ballfields, Rio Vista Pool, and city facilities such as the Activity Center, Pauline Espinosa Community Hall, and Fish Hatchery will be considered "Go Zones".
- 6. The ordinance will go into effect on May 1, 2023. During the first year, there will be an education period
Here is a link to the Agenda Packet for more information: https://www.sanmarcostx.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02062024-3753
[The part about this agenda item appears on pages 198-234 of the packet]
Education will be critical for the success of this ordinance, so tell your friends! Please plan to enjoy the river using reusable beverage containers, and if you want to go a step further, bring reusable containers for anything else you need for a day of river fun!! We are really hopeful that this ordinance will help reduce trash in and around the river….
From Page 208 of the City Council agenda packet