Measure would phase out use of single-use plastic polystyrene foam food ware

It is estimated that Americans throw away around 70 million plastic foam cups everyday, and now legislation in Springfield would phase out certain single-use food ware. Eight states have enacted bans on polystyrene foam containers. Abe Scarr, Illinois director for the Illinois Public Interest Research Group, says the product is not ideal for recycling.

Scarr says smaller establishments and those who serve the needy would have a longer timeline to phase out polystyrene foam.  State Representative Mike Coffey, who owns a restaurant, says he is not a fan of such a mandate.

The legislation would phase out foam food ware starting in 2024.

Story from Illinois Radio Network