FALMOUTH – The Town of Falmouth’s ban on polystyrene foam, commonly known as Styrofoam, for food packaging is now in effect.
Styrofoam products such as coffee cups and food containers are forbidden after last November’s Town Meeting saw the ban passed.
The ban is specifically for food and drink packaging; shipping materials from outside of the town, floats, chests, and other non-food related items are not included in the law.
Falmouth Health Agent Scott McGann explained the importance of limiting the presence of polystyrene foam.
“Styrofoam’s not recyclable per se, so we want more things that either degrade or are recyclable,” he said.
Styrofoam can negatively impact the environment in a number of ways, which McGann also highlighted.
“It’s not going into your recycle bin to be re-purposed or whatnot, it’s going into a landfill. So when you throw it out, there’s no value to doing anything with Styrofoam,” McGann said.
The six month grace period for restaurants to eliminate their stock of Styrofoam products ended on Sunday.
The fine for first time offenders is $50. Second offenses warrant a $100 fine, and third offenses cost $200.
The town’s health department will take complaints from residents who notice businesses that still use Styrofoam for food and drink packaging.
To contact the health department, call 508-495-7485.
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