Ban Polystyrene Food Wares in Plymouth, MA!

UPDATES

On February 10, 2021, the Plymouth Board of Health voted 4-0 to adopt a resolution stating in part “The Plymouth Board of Health finds that the health and environmental arguments…in favor of adopting a polystyrene regulation were very compelling and that the proposed requirements and implantation procedures suggested were quite reasonable.”

However, in light of “understandable pandemic related anxieties of restaurant owners in particular”, the BoH has elected to delay any legally binding action until after the pandemic wanes and local emergency orders are lifted.

In the meantime, the BoH has urged restaurant owners “to consider voluntarily replacing polystyrene take-out containers with alternatives that are less hazardous to health and the environment” and further suggested, “that polystyrene-containing straws and utensils should only be provided upon customer request.”

The MA Chapter will continue working with local activists to monitor the situation and stands ready to provide support when the Board of Health is ready to discuss further possible actions.

To engage, email campaigns@ma.surfrider.org.

HISTORIC ACCOUNT

The Chapter is providing close support to local activists trying to implement a polystyrene ban via Board of Health regulations. Right now the draft language is along the lines of:

a)           Nothing in this regulation prohibits customers from using containers of any type that they bring to Food Establishments themselves to contain any food or beverage they are acquiring.

b)           No Food Establishment shall use Disposable Food Containers made from Polystyrene to prepare, heat, store, serve, transport, or provide food or beverages to customers.

c)            Retail establishments are prohibited from selling or distributing EPS (foam) polystyrene or polystyrene food service ware to customers.

d)           Retail establishments are prohibited from selling or distributing polystyrene foam packing material to customers.

The Chapter worked with our Northeast Regional Manager and Plastics Team to offer feedback on best practices for polystyrene ordinances and was asked to submit a letter reviewing scientific data on the health effects of polystyrene. The chapter will also submit written testimony in advance of the Board of Health's 2/13 public meeting.