Get ready for big changes. In a few weeks, New York will ban the use of foam plates, cups, food containers, etc.

The New York State DEC reminds everyone that starting January 1, 2022, any covered food service provider or store (retail or wholesale) will not sell, offer for sale or distribute single-use foods containing expanded polystyrene foam Service container. New York state.

In addition, no manufacturer or store may sell, offer for sale, or distribute polystyrene loose-filled packaging, commonly referred to as packed peanuts, in the state.

Any disposable, disposable expanded polystyrene foam food service containers used to prepare food and beverages, including but not limited to: bowls, cartons, clam shells, cups, lids, plates and trays, and packaging peanuts or other gap-filling containers , Loose filled packaging products made of expanded polystyrene foam will be banned.

"Polystyrene foam is a concern for people and the environment. Foam packaging is one of the main contributors to environmental waste, which has a negative impact on wildlife, waterways and other natural resources, and littering our communities and natural areas. It is light in weight, easy to decompose, and not easily biodegradable. When polystyrene foam ends up becoming garbage in the environment, it can last a long time, or it can become microplastic pollution," DEC said.

Affected enterprises and organizations include:

• Restaurant • Grocery store • Delicatessen • Coffee shop • Catering industry • Food trucks and street vendors • Hospitals • Schools • Adult care facilities/nursing homes • Cafeterias • Hotels, motels and hotels • Community meal plans • Sports venues • Amusement parks • Summer camps • Correctional facilities • Faith-based organizations

The new law does not apply to:

• Containers used to hold raw meat, pork, seafood, poultry or fish, for customers to cook or prepare off-site; • Pre-packaged or sealed foods received at the insured food service provider; • Marked with numbers 6 (Polystyrene-PS) hard plastic food service containers are not foam; and

Any container or packaging that does not contain expanded polystyrene foam, such as aluminum, rigid plastic, paper, glass, bio-based and compostable items, can be used as a substitute.

State officials encourage the use of reusable, recyclable, compostable and recyclable containers and packaging where possible.

Covered food service providers and facilities that meet certain criteria can apply to DEC for a renewable 12-month financial hardship waiver. Determine whether you meet the conditions and download the exemption application form online.

Although the Hudson Valley has no place on the list, the area has recently received a lot of praise.