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Coming Soon? Cuomo says it's time to ban Sytrofoam containers in NY
Coming Soon? Cuomo says it’s time to ban Sytrofoam containers in NY
ALBANY - The Styrofoam containers that are ubiquitous at restaurants, buffets and delis may soon be a thing of the past in New York.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday he will propose prohibiting the distribution and use of expanded polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam, as single-use food containers.
He also wants to ban Styrofoam packing peanuts and authorize the state Department of Environmental Conservation to review whether New York should ban other packaging materials as a way to help the environment.
The ban would take effect in 2022 and would follow a ban that already started in July in New York City. Maine and Vermont have similar bans, and some New York lawmakers have pushed for a statewide ban for several years.
“Styrofoam is one of the most common pollutants and a public health hazard that impacts humans and the environment alike,” Cuomo said in a statement.
“From take-out containers to packing peanuts, this material is everywhere and it will continue to pollute our waters and harm our wildlife for generations to come if we do not act.”
The proposal would need approval of the Democratic-controlled state Legislature during the six-month session in Albany that starts in January.
The measure will be part of the Democratic governor’s State of the State address Jan. 8.
The ban would come after New York last year agreed to bar single-use plastic bags starting March 1. New York is one of eight states to have a single-use plastic bag ban.
- That law also allows counties and cities in New York to charge 5 cents per paper bag at retailers.
- The new legislation introduced by Cuomo would:
- Ban the distribution and use of expanded polystyrene foam containers used for prepared foods or beverages served by food service establishments, including restaurants, caterers, food trucks, retail food stores, delis and grocery stores.
Ban the sale of polystyrene loose fill packaging, commonly known as packing peanuts.
Authorize the State Department of Environmental Conservation to take additional action to limit or ban other packaging materials upon a finding of environmental impact.
The ban would exempt prepackaged food sealed prior to receipt at a restaurant or food service establishment, as well as packaging for uncooked or raw meat, fish or eggs.
Violators will be penalized with a fine starting at $250. Second, third and fourth violations will be fined $500, $1,000 and $2,000. respectively.
Cuomo said Styrofoam is is one of the top contributors to environmental litter, noting the federal Environmental Protection Agency estimated more than 3 million tons of it exists in the environment.
While the containers often break down over time, they still end up in waterways and wildlife areas as microplastics — polluting water sources and harming animals that ingest them.
“As the state and country face plastic pollution, climate, and recycling crises, a necessary solution is to reduce and eliminate single-use plastics, like polystyrene,” said Liz Moran, environmental policy director for the New York Public Interest Research Group.
“The governor’s announcement today to release a proposal to ban polystyrene is a tremendous step forward for New York in continuing its fight against plastic waste.”
Coming Soon? Cuomo says it’s time to ban Sytrofoam containers in NY
ALBANY - The Styrofoam containers that are ubiquitous at restaurants, buffets and delis may soon be a thing of the past in New York.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday he will propose prohibiting the distribution and use of expanded polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam, as single-use food containers.
He also wants to ban Styrofoam packing peanuts and authorize the state Department of Environmental Conservation to review whether New York should ban other packaging materials as a way to help the environment.
The ban would take effect in 2022 and would follow a ban that already started in July in New York City. Maine and Vermont have similar bans, and some New York lawmakers have pushed for a statewide ban for several years.
“Styrofoam is one of the most common pollutants and a public health hazard that impacts humans and the environment alike,” Cuomo said in a statement.
“From take-out containers to packing peanuts, this material is everywhere and it will continue to pollute our waters and harm our wildlife for generations to come if we do not act.”
The proposal would need approval of the Democratic-controlled state Legislature during the six-month session in Albany that starts in January.
The measure will be part of the Democratic governor’s State of the State address Jan. 8.
The ban would come after New York last year agreed to bar single-use plastic bags starting March 1. New York is one of eight states to have a single-use plastic bag ban.
- That law also allows counties and cities in New York to charge 5 cents per paper bag at retailers.
- The new legislation introduced by Cuomo would:
- Ban the distribution and use of expanded polystyrene foam containers used for prepared foods or beverages served by food service establishments, including restaurants, caterers, food trucks, retail food stores, delis and grocery stores.
Ban the sale of polystyrene loose fill packaging, commonly known as packing peanuts.
Authorize the State Department of Environmental Conservation to take additional action to limit or ban other packaging materials upon a finding of environmental impact.
The ban would exempt prepackaged food sealed prior to receipt at a restaurant or food service establishment, as well as packaging for uncooked or raw meat, fish or eggs.
Violators will be penalized with a fine starting at $250. Second, third and fourth violations will be fined $500, $1,000 and $2,000. respectively.
Cuomo said Styrofoam is is one of the top contributors to environmental litter, noting the federal Environmental Protection Agency estimated more than 3 million tons of it exists in the environment.
While the containers often break down over time, they still end up in waterways and wildlife areas as microplastics — polluting water sources and harming animals that ingest them.
“As the state and country face plastic pollution, climate, and recycling crises, a necessary solution is to reduce and eliminate single-use plastics, like polystyrene,” said Liz Moran, environmental policy director for the New York Public Interest Research Group.
“The governor’s announcement today to release a proposal to ban polystyrene is a tremendous step forward for New York in continuing its fight against plastic waste.”
