USA: Mountain View (California) bans polystyrene foam carryout food packaging

On February 11 2014 Mountain View became the latest California municipality to ban the use of polystyrene foam food service ware when the City Council approved a new ordinance. The ban takes effect on July 1, 2014. Food providers can apply for one-year "economic hardship" exemptions.
The introduction of the ordinance states that polystyrene foam is not biodegrade, pollutes waterways and harms wildlife, is made from a nonrenewable resource, and is difficult to collect and control litter. Food service ware means single-use disposable products used in the restaurant and food service industry for serving or consuming prepared food (Recycling Laws International, 21 February 2014).
Click here for more information (154 kB).

This item is also included in our monthly overview, the NVC Members-only Update. If you have any questions, please contact us: info@nvc.nl, +31-(0)182-512411.