New RI Legislation Takes Aim At Styrofoam Containers

A new bill introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives aims to curb the state's reliance on non-compostable, non-recyclable take-out boxes by banning disposable polystyrene foam containers and plastic stirrers. Warwick Representative David Bennet said it's an important step in cutting down on waste.

"If we don’t drastically reduce waste in Rhode Island, the central landfill will reach its capacity in just 15 years. We simply have to stop making so much trash," said Rep. Bennett, the chairman of the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee. "Single-use foam containers and plastic stirrers are low-hanging fruit in terms of wasteful things that we can easily live without."

Rep. Bennet said his bill follows in the footsteps of the global movement to reduce plastic straw use, which he is also pushing for with a similar bill. A similar bill was introduced in the Senate earlier this year.

"It’s 2019, and we have lots of alternatives to disposable foam, from paper and compostable containers to recyclable and reusable ones," Rep. Bennet continued. "Wooden stirrers work just as well as plastic, or — even better — you can put your cream and sugar in first and it’ll blend as you pour in the coffee, no stirrer needed. Let’s say no to this trash and yes to less waste in our environment."

If passed, the law would ban Styrofoam food containers from places where food is prepared across the state, including farmer's markets, restaurants, food pantries and nursing homes, starting January 1, 2021. Hospitals and certain food delivery services such as Meals on Wheels would be exempt from the law.

The ban not only includes takeout containers and cups, but also egg cartons, meat trays and more. While lightweight, cheap to produce, and effective at keeping foods hot or cold, Styrofoam is difficult to recycle and non-biodegradeable, frequently making its way into Rhode Island's waterways, where it can be mistaken for food by marine life.

Maine became the first state in the country to ban Styrofoam containers last month; Rhode Island's legislation is based off of that ban. The ban in that state will go into effect in 2021. Maryland's legislature has also approved a ban, and Vermont, Connecticut and Oregon also have similar legislation pending.

Several businesses have already taken steps to reduce their Styrofoam reliance, including Dunkin' Donuts and McDonald's, who have pledged to phase it out of their restaurants.

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