Single-use Styrofoam cups and containers banned in New York city with effect from July 1

14-Jul-15

Single-use Styrofoam cups and food containers have been banned in New York city with effect from July 1, 2015, Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration announced. The ban is estimated to prevent 30,000 tons of landfilled waste annually. Food establishments, stores, and manufacturers in New York City may not possess, sell, or offer to customers plastic foam containers as of July 1 and thus will be seeking alternative materials. In addition, the city will also prohibit the sale of loose-fill polystyrene—commonly called packing peanuts. Chemical manufacturers and foam food and beverage container makers had fought the ban, arguing that expanded polystyrene can indeed be recycled.