Maine becomes 1st state to ban single-use foam containers

Maine has become the first state to ban single-use food and drink containers made from polystyrene foam, commonly known as Styrofoam. Democratic Gov. Janet Mills signed the bill into law Tuesday.

The Natural Resources Council of Maine said that Maine’s the first state to enact such a ban. Similar legislation passed Maryland’s legislature in April, but it’s unclear whether that state’s Republican governor, Larry Hogan, will sign it. Supporters have said the law will reduce litter in lakes, rivers and coastal waters. It takes effect in 2021.

The law will prohibit “covered establishments” like restaurants and grocery stores from using polystyrene containers. Hospitals, seafood shippers and state-funded meals-on-wheels programs will be exempt.

The legislation faced strong opposition from the plastic industry, food service container manufacturers and Maine business and tourism groups, which argued polystyrene is economical and a better way to keep food from spoiling. Such industry groups asserted that the bill doesn’t mean consumers will stop littering.

https://www.apnews.com/64c0dcfbc06e479480c2381f1c20bfba