Why the County is banning foam food containers

Polystyrene foam is neither degradable nor compostable and its disposal poses a significant risk to the environment and life forms throughout the food chain. Due to its lightweight nature and ability to break down into smaller fragments, polystyrene foam has significant negative impacts on the environment, and contributes to the potential death of marine animals and avian populations through ingestion.The Council finds that foam food service containers should be regulated in order to protect the County's unique environment, the health and welfare of its marine and avian life, and to promote public health, reduce litter, and support increased diversion of organic waste by encouraging the use of environmentally preferred alternatives.Food providers are encouraged to switch from polystyrene food service containers to compostable food service containers. The Director shall publish a list of available suitable compostable alternative containers by June 1, 2020.