Article 8.32: Prohibition of the Use of Polystyrene-Based Disposable Food Containers Polystyrene Workshop November 18 th, 2013 TOWN OF BROOKLINE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

What is Polystyrene? Form of petroleum based plastic that is often referred to as “Styrofoam”. In the food service industry is it most commonly used to make food and beverage containers. It is often identified by a #6 recycling symbol.

Why is Polystyrene Being Banned? The new by-law was proposed and voted for at a Special Town Meeting in Health Effects: o Styrene was recently deemed “a reasonably anticipated carcinogen” by the US government. o Studies have shown that polystyrene products may leach styrene when exposed to hot or greasy foods Environmental Effects: o Does not biodegrade o Often ends up as litter o Production produces a large amount of hazardous waste and air pollution National Toxicology Program-

How Will the Ban Affect Me? Beginning in December, all disposable polystyrene containers will be prohibited from use in the Town of Brookline. Citations of up to $50.00 may be issued for each violation. Waivers may be requested for businesses that require additional time to comply.

No Longer Acceptable / Polystyrene Products:

What Can I Use to Replace Polystyrene Products? Paper/cardboard Foil Plant-based materials Compostable containers Other types of plastics (#1,#2,#3,#4,#5, and #7) how-to-recycle.blogspot.com

Alternatives: Paper Products: Foil Products: pactiv.com

Alternative Plastics: Dartcontainer.com PET / PETE Polyethylene: Polypropylene:

Other Alternatives: Ecoproducts.com/ vegware..com #7 Miscellaneous plastics Compostable Products

Where Can I Purchase Alternative Products? US Eco Products……………………………………………… Eco-Products…………………………………………………… Tri Mark United East………………………………………… Dart………………………………………………………………… Vegware..………………………………………………………… Biomasspackaging…………………………………………… Minipak Torre…………………… Pactiv……………………………………………………………… Hubert…………………………………………………………… Be Green Packaging………………………………………… MyTakeOutBags……………………………………………… Amazon.com The Brookline Department of Public Health has provided this list merely as a reference and does not support any one provider. Operators are encouraged to make their own decision when choosing where to purchase alternatives to polystyrene products.

Activity: Several products are being passed into each row, try to identify which products are polystyrene and which products are acceptable alternatives. o Mark (Yes) to indicate Polystyrene o Mark (No)to indicate an alternative

Answers: Row 1: Item #1: Item #2: Item#3: Item#4: Row 4: Item #1: Item #2: Item#3: Item#4: Row 5: Item #1: Item #2: Item#3: Item#4: Row 6: Item #1: Item #2: Item#3: Item#4: Row 7: Item #1: Item #2: Item#3: Item#4:

Polystyrene Waiver Form: