June 13—A proposal to eliminate plastic foam takeout containers in New York City was met with criticism Wednesday by restaurateurs who said a ban on the ubiquitous containers would drive up costs and potentially put them out of business.
Around 40 opponents bearing signs reading "Put a lid on it NYC" rallied on the steps of City Hall before a City Council meeting in which the ban on polystyrene foam containers was introduced.
Polystyrene foam is a staple for street vendors, delis, restaurants and non-commercial foodservice operations that sell food to go because it's lightweight and heat-retaining. Currently 23,000 tons of foam per year is thrown out in the city. Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants New York to join West Coast cities like San Francisco and Seattle as plastic foam-free.