Get ready for big changes. In a few weeks foam plates, cups, food containers and more will be banned in New York.

Get our free mobile app

The New York State DEC is reminding all that starting Jan. 1, 2022, no covered food service provider or store (retail or wholesale) will be allowed to sell, offer for sale, or distribute disposable food service containers that contain expanded polystyrene foam in New York State.

foambansocial-05-mk
DEC
loading...

In addition, no manufacturer or store will be allowed to sell, offer for sale, or distribute polystyrene loose fill packaging, often called packing peanuts, in the state.

foambansocial-05-mk
DEC
loading...

Any single-use, disposable expanded polystyrene foam foodservice containers used for prepared food and beverages, including but not limited to: bowls, cartons, clamshells, cups, lids, plates and trays as well as packing peanuts or other void-filling, loose-fill packaging products made of expanded polystyrene foam will be banned.

foambansocial-05-mk
DEC
loading...

"Polystyrene foam is a concern for people and the environment. Foam packaging is one of the top contributors of environmental litter, causing negative impacts to wildlife, waterways, and other natural resources, as well as littering our communities and natural areas. It is lightweight, breaks apart easily, and does not readily biodegrade. When polystyrene foam ends up as litter in the environment, it can persist for a long time and may also become microplastic pollution," the DEC states.

foambansocial-05-mk
DEC
loading...

Affected businesses and organizations include:

• Restaurants
• Grocery stores
• Delis
• Coffee shops
• Caterers
• Food trucks & street vendors
• Hospitals
• Schools
• Adult care facilities/
nursing homes
• Cafeterias
• Hotels, motels, & inns
• Community meal programs
• Sporting venues
• Amusement parks
• Summer camps
• Correctional facilities
• Faith-based organization

Styrofoam Ban Begins In Oakland As Part Of Anti-Pollution Effort
Getty Images
loading...

The new law will not apply for:

• Containers used for raw meat, pork, seafood, poultry, or fish sold for the purpose of cooking or preparing off-premises by the customer;
• Prepackaged food-filled or sealed prior to receipt at a covered food service provider;
• Hard plastic food service containers marked with a number 6 (Polystyrene–PS) that are not foam; and

Any container or packaging that does not contain expanded polystyrene foam, such as aluminum, rigid plastics, paper, glass, biobased, and compostable items may be used as an alternative.

State officials encourage the use of reusable, recyclable, compostable, and recycled-content containers and packaging when possible.

Covered food service providers and facilities that meet certain criteria may request a renewable 12-month financial hardship waiver from DEC. Determine if you are eligible, and download the waiver request form online.

Over 50 New York Pizzerias Ranked by Barstool's Dave Portnoy

When it comes to amazing pizza you don't have to leave New York State. But where can you find the best slice?

20 Worst Places to Live in New York State

A list highlights the worst places a New York resident can call home. A number of places in the Hudson Valley made the list, including one that was ranked the worst place to live.

Barstool's Dave Portnoy Finally Reviews Pizza From Mid-Hudson Valley

Barstool's Dave Portnoy finally came to the Mid-Hudson Region to give a "One Bite Review" on what he was told is "great pizza" from the Mid-Hudson Valley. 

Potential Cancer-Causing Chemicals Found in New York Drinking Water

The 26 Most Dangerous Counties in New York State

15 New York Towns Among Safest in America

Top 5 Best Places to Live in New York

While no place in the Hudson Valley made the list, the region has received a ton of praise recently.

Hudson Valley Towns Honored

26 Highest Paying Jobs in New York State

It's getting harder and harder to make ends meet living in New York State. So we researched the 26 highest paying jobs in the state. Hudson Valley Post analyzed the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to craft our list.

Election Results: New York Voters Approve, Deny Major Changes

Hudson Valley Says Goodbye To Over 80 Businesses

Nearly 70 Children Have Recently Gone Missing From New York State

Counties in New York With Most Vehicle vs. Animal Crashes

9 New Fast Food Restaurants Coming to Route 9

It's a fast-food invasion. There are nine new fast-food restaurants slated to open up soon on Route 9 in Dutchess County. Are you ready to hit the drive-thru?

Over 30 Red Flags For Anyone Who Claims To Live in Hudson Valley, NY

Hudson Valley Welcomes Nearly 70 New Eateries

We've reported on many restaurant closings, now it's time to highlight nearly 70 businesses that have recently opened in the Hudson Valley.

5 New York Schools Districts Ranked in Top 10 in America

New York Counties With Highest, Lowest COVID Vaccine Rates

'Hudson Valley's Premier Restaurant, Bar' Opening Newburgh Waterfront Location

A very popular and award-winning Hudson Valley restaurant and bar is opening a new waterfront location. We got a sneak peek of the menu and location.

All-Time COVID Cases Per County in New York

Help Needed Finding The 39 Most Wanted in New York

Air-Breathing Fish That Eats Animals Found in Hudson Valley, New York

An invasive fish from Asia that can live on land for days and uses its sharp teeth to eat animals has been spotted in the Hudson Valley and other parts of New York State.  

More From Hudson Valley Post