NYC Foam Food Container Ban Plan Gets Hearing
Source: Associated Press
NYC Foam Food Container Ban Plan Gets Hearing
NEW YORK November 25, 2013 (AP)
By JENNIFER PELTZ Associated Press
A potential ban on plastic foam food containers in a city that thrives on takeout proved a piping-hot topic among lawmakers Monday, as they debated the material's pros, cons and prospects for recycling.
An environmental bane to some, a food-service staple to others, the familiar foam to-go cups, plates and cartons already are prohibited in San Francisco and dozens of other U.S. cities and could be on their way out in New York.
The City Council is weighing competing proposals, including a measure that would outlaw the containers after a year's inquiry to see whether the tons of containers could be effectively recycled instead a possibility ban backers and opponents vehemently dispute. The city's plastics recycler says it's not workable right now.
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There's no date yet for a council vote, but the hearing marked an effort to move the issue forward before the year ends. Environmentally minded Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who proposed banning the containers in February and backs the council proposal, leaves office at the end of the year. Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio said Monday he also supports it.
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Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/nyc-foam-food-container-ban-plan-hearing-21007595