City of Albany Polystyrene Ban
The Albany City Council adopted a Polystyrene Foam Ban (Styrofoam), which takes effect as of September 1, 2008. The ban prohibits the use of polystyrene foam take out food containers at all food service facilities within the City. The ban is intended to help further "Green" our City by limiting the amount of polystyrene in our environment.
Polystyrene is commonly used for disposable food service containers such as cups, plates and “clam-shell” boxes. The useful life of these containers is typically very short, however polystyrene continues to exist in the environment for years afterward, and there is currently not a meaningful recycling process for polystyrene. Polystyrene foam breaks down into smaller, non-biodegradable pieces that are ingested by marine life and other wildlife, thereby harming or killing them. Additionally, there is evidence suggesting that a component of polystyrene foam, styrene, which is a carcinogen and neurotoxin, may leach from polystyrene containers into food and drink, posing a potential health risk to people.
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The ban requires food service facilities to use eco-friendly
food service ware that is either biodegradeable, compostable, or recyclable. |
Food Service Patrons: Help "Green" Albany by informing your favorite restaurants about this new ban. Report noncomplying food service facilities to: greenalbany@albanyca.org, or to (510) 528-5760.
Food Service Providers: Help "Green" Albany by complying with this new ban.
For more information: