Dive summary:
- A study conducted by MB Public Affairs of New York for the American Chemistry Council found the proposed New York styrofoam ban could cost taxpayers $100 million annually and have unintended environmental consequences.
- While Styrofoam has a bad reputation for not being recyclable, the study warns that many substitutes also can’t be recycled and may be harmful to the environment in larger volumes, use more energy to produce and transport, and take up more room in landfills.
- In addition to a $57 million cost-increase to restaurants, the report estimates the ban would cut more than 1,200 polystyrene manufacturing jobs.
From the article:
For every $1 now spent on plastic foam foodservice and drink containers, New York City consumers and businesses would have to spend at least $1.94 on alternative replacements, according to the study.
The study also stated that many popular alternatives to polystyrene foam can’t be recycled and may harm the environment. The study characterized alternatives such as other plastics and coated paperboard as heavier and larger in volume, use more energy to produce and transport, and take up more room in landfills. The report also said polystyrene foam is recycled in about 65 U.S. cities. ...
