Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced the 5th proposal of his 2020 State of the State Agenda — prohibiting the distribution and use of expanded polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam, single-use food containers. The proposal also bans the sale of expanded polystyrene packaging materials known as packing peanuts. Additionally, the bill would authorize the State Department of Environmental Conservation to review and take action to limit or ban other packaging material upon a finding of environmental impact.

This would be the strongest statewide ban in the United States and would go into effect by January 1, 2022. This ban will build on the Governor’s effort to reduce environmental pollution statewide, including the recent ban on single-use plastic bags first announced by the Governor in his 2019 State of the State address.

The new legislation will:

• 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 material upon a finding of environmental impact.

The ban exempts 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.

Expanded polystyrene foam is one of the top ten contributors to environmental litter. The EPA estimates that the US produces more than 3 million tons of polystyrene, which are non-biodegradable. These containers often break down overtime and enter waterways and wildlife areas as microplastics, where they pollute water sources and harm wildlife that ingest them. Human exposure to styrene, the primary chemical in polystyrene foam, is primarily through inhalation in the manufacturing sector. The National Toxicology Program has determined styrene is “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.” Small amounts of styrene can also be transferred to food from styrene-based packaging materials.

Source: Environment + Energy Leader