New York City Discloses Polystyrene Foam Ban Plan; Protests Resume

New York City lawmakers announced a bill to ban polystyrene foam for food products, prompting renewed protests from opponents.

Local restaurant owners and business leaders held a press conference to express their concern about the ban, which they claim will do little to reduce solid waste and could cost the state nearly $100 million, according to a news release.

The proposal is supported by Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

“Foam can and should be recycled, and I urge the mayor to work with the council to explore this option instead of a ban,” said City Council Member Peter Vallone.  
The opponents sited a new study by Sonoma, Calif.-based Moore Recycling Associates reporting that access to polystyrene foam foodservice recycling has expanded more quickly than the recycling of alternative products.