The Montgomery County Council in Maryland, US, has approved a bill to ban the use of certain expanded polystyrene food service and packaging products in the region.
The regulation will prohibit the use and sale of polystyrene foam, polystyrene loose fill packaging and bulk foam products.
It mandates use of compostable or recyclable alternatives of food service ware, such as plates, bowls, cups and eating utensils. The items that the bill covers include containers, plates, cups, trays and egg cartons.
Montgomery County Council member Riemer said: "Many studies have shown that these foam products, especially those used for takeout food, make up a substantial portion of the waste found in our waterways.
"It never biodegrades, but it breaks apart, making it especially difficult to clean up.
"Recyclable and compostable alternatives are readily available and competitively priced, so it is time to move on from using foam products."
The county government and its contractors will comply with the regulation effective 1 January 2016, while private businesses will comply from the following year.
Image: The Montgomery County Council will ban polystyrene food packaging products effective 1 January 2016. Photo: courtesy of winnond / FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
