New York’s ban on disposable coolers made of polystyrene foam takes effect Jan. 1.
Starting then, no food service provider, manufacturer or store covered by the ban will be allowed to sell any foam coolers, ice chests or other containers designed for cold storage, according to the state Department of Environment Conservation.
The state is advising people to use more durable reusable coolers instead of those made of foam.
New York first banned single-use containers and packing peanuts made of polystyrene foam, more commonly known as Styrofoam, in 2022. Lawmakers originally passed the ban as part of the state budget two years before that.
Since the ban first went into effect, restaurants covered by the law have not been allowed to use foam food containers and manufacturers and retailers have been barred from using the material for packing.
Coolers are now joining the list of banned foam items.
The rule is meant to help cut down on waste.
Polystyrene foam is a top source of litter, according to the DEC. Items made using the foam break apart easily, don’t biodegrade rapidly and can linger in the environment for a long time.
The foam won’t disappear from coolers completely. It can still be used in constructing them as long as it’s contained inside a more durable layer.
So if you pull apart a reusable cooler even after Jan. 1, you still may find foam on the inside.
You can find more information on the foam ban on the DEC website.