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Styrofoam containers, made from a substance called polystyrene, does not biodegrade and is typically regarded as a pollutant when discarded. - Image courtesy Naturopack.org
Styrofoam containers, made from a substance called polystyrene, does not biodegrade and is typically regarded as a pollutant when discarded.
Image courtesy Naturopack.org
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Sammamish Reporter
East King County

Issaquah bans non-recyclable food packaging

By KENDALL WATSON
Sammamish Reporter Staff
Nov 19 2009

Issaquah has joined the likes of Portland, Ore. and San Francisco, Calif. by banning the use of polystyrene restaurant food containers.

City Council adopted a new law at its Nov. 16 meeting to reduce landfill waste, litter and pollution by avoiding the use of disposable polystyrene and non-recyclable food service packaging.

The use of polystyrene (commonly known by its brand-name Styrofoam) restaurant containers is now banned in more than 100 towns and cities across the United States.

The council voted 6-1 to require – through a phased approach – food service businesses (including restaurants, grocers, coffee shops and other food sellers) to only use recyclable or compostable food service containers and service ware.

In addition, the law provides resources to support local businesses and an 18-month period to help businesses make the transition.

For more information about Issaquah's ban on non-recyclable food packaging, visit the city's Web site.

Sammamish Reporter Staff Kendall Watson can be reached at kwatson@issaquah-reporter.com or (425) 391-0363, ext. 5052.
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