DSNY: New York City To Reintroduce Ban on Styrofoam Containers

ALBANY (Scrap Monster): New York City is on its way to reintroduce ban on expanded polystyrene. This is the second time in less than three years that the City is imposing ban on EPS food containers. The first ban was introduced in July 2015, but was overturned by the NY Supreme Court, on challenges by plastic recycling firms and manufacturers. The City has now come up with a new report stating that Styrofoam could not be recycled economically. The proposed ban will take effect November 13^th this year.

The new report released by the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) states that over the past 30 years, all attempts to recycle Food-Service Foam have failed at each step of the recycling process. The experiences of municipalities researched by DSNY suggest that polystyrene foam materials are not capable of being recycled in an environment-friendly or economically feasible manner.

According to the report, jurisdictions that collect foam as part of their recycling collection often send them to landfills at high costs. The main reason behind this is the non-existence of markets for recycled food-service foam. The reclaimer demand for foam is very low. Low demand is found to exist on clean post-consumer Foam Packaging Materials, but that too on very limited basis. The high costs associated with recycling of food-service foam makes it economically not feasible. For instance, earlier attempts by Los Angeles City to convert them into new product was abandoned halfway, as the cost associated with it turned out to be almost double of that using virgin material, the report cited.

Research has proved that Food-Service Foam leads to contamination of other valuable recycling streams, especially paper. The foam missed by manual sorters mistakenly moves with the paper material and contaminates valuable paper recycling streams. The DSNY report states that joining hands with industry-sponsored foam recycling and withdrawal from it at a later date would lead to confusion among consumers. This could impact public participation in the City’s recycling programmes, thereby cause reduction in overall recycling rate.

As per the proposed ban, no food service establishment, mobile food commissary, or store shall possess, sell, or offer for use single-service articles that consist of expanded polystyrene. In addition, no manufacturer or store shall sell or offer for sale polystyrene loose fill packaging. In accordance with law, DSNY will provide public education and organize various outreach programs. The law will come into force November 13^th, but no violations will be issued for the initial six-month period.

Meantime, Dart Container Corp, a strong opponent of the ban, has questioned the City move, stating that it is against the Supreme Court ruling in 2015. It alleged that the proposed ban would make it difficult for the City to meet OneNYC goal of Zero Waste by 2030. The ban would be harmful for struggling small businesses, restaurants and taxpayers, it noted. Another group named Restaurant Action Alliance too has opposed the ban, stating that the City’s decision does not have sound basis and regard to the facts. This group along with Dart Corporation had been instrumental behind blocking the initial ban imposed in 2015.