The thought of drinking Budweisers at Turkey's Nest in something other than foam cups was distressing, but for the good of the planet, sure why not? Now it looks like we needn't worry (for the time being), as a judge has overturned the citywide polystyrene foam ban that went into effect in July, saving the sinister—and indestructible—containers from the chopping block.
Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Margaret Chan saw evidence that disproved the Department of Sanitation's assertions that food-soiled polystyrene foam was unable to be recycled, reports the Daily News. "The Commissioner's concern is not justified given abundant evidence showing a viable and growing market for not just clean EPS (expanded polystyrene foam) but post-consumer EPS material," the judge said, citing evidence from experts used by the Restaurant Action Alliance.
It's a coup for restaurants and other small businesses, who had been fighting the ban citing cost, among other concerns. For their part, the Mayor's office and Sanitation are, obviously, against the ruling. "These products cause real environmental harm and we need to be able to prevent nearly 30,000 tons of expanded polystyrene waste from entering our landfills, streets, and waterways," said spokesperson Ishanee Parikh.
Now's as good a time as any to remind everyone that other household waste, including hard plastic, pizza boxes, and coffee cups can also be recycled. And then there's composting and all the things that come with it to look forward to!
