Statement on Gov. Cuomo proposed ban on Styrofoam takeout containers
December 17, 2019
Riverkeeper Team
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced a proposal to ban the distribution and use of single-use food containers made with expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam). The proposal also bans the sale of Styrofoam packaging materials, known as packing peanuts. This effort builds on the groundbreaking legislation going into effect in March 2020 to ban single-use plastic bags in New York.
Riverkeeper President Paul Gallay said:
"Governor Andrew M. Cuomo is making a great call by proposing a ban on Styrofoam packing peanuts and takeout containers from restaurants, which do tremendous harm to our rivers, lakes and oceans and for which there are perfectly good alternatives. The time has come to dump Styrofoam once and for all, and we’re thrilled that the Governor is taking the step he’s announcing today."
Styrofoam packaging is one of the most common types of pollution found along the New York City and Hudson Valley shorelines, based on data collected during the annual Riverkeeper Sweep cleanup event.
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