Great news for the planet. New York City has decided to ban single-use polystyrene containers. The city aims to say goodbye to expanded polystyrene waste in landfills to protect the environment.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
Great news for the planet. New York City has decided to ban disposable containers in polystyrene, undisputed protagonists of catering takeaway and not only. The city aims to say goodbye to expanded polystyrene waste in landfills to protect the environment.
It has disclosed the mayor of the Big Apple, Will de Blasio. "With the removal of nearly 30 tons of expanded polystyrene waste from our landfills, streets and waterways, this is an important step towards our goal of a greener New York City."
The ban will take effect from 1 July 2015. It will mainly concern food and beverage outlets and school canteens, as well as any company that uses disposable polystyrene containers. Companies should have time to comply with the ban, so the hope is that everything will go as planned to reduce pollution. The decision came after the Department of Sanitation ruled that polystyrene is not recyclable.
"These products can cause serious environmental damage and must no longer find a place in New York City," said the mayor in a statement. New York will now have to focus on better alternatives and the hope is that other cities will also follow the example of the metropolis and institute similar tenders.
READ also: 10 creative ideas for the reuse of take-away waste
I polystyrene containers, and the filling materials for packaging, must be replaced with recyclable and / or reusable materials. In July, when the ban goes into effect, companies will be able to enjoy a six-month adaptation period. During the first year of the law's entry into force, companies will receive a warning instead of one sanction.
The provision will also concern the school canteens, which from next summer will have to replace disposable polystyrene containers with biodegradable plates and trays. An important step forward that we hope will also be imitated elsewhere in the world.
Marta Albè
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