Senator Nozzolio Calls on New York City Mayor to Stop Polystyrene Ban

A proposed ban on polystyrene foam food service containers would have a devastating impact on businesses in the Finger Lakes region, including Pactiv, which employs hundreds of workers at their Canandaigua facility.

The ban is supported by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, whose administration has prohibited the use of the containers by merchants in New York City beginning on July 1, 2015. 

“The proposed polystyrene ban in New York City would have an immediate and dire effect on job-producing businesses in the Finger Lakes region and across Upstate New York that supply New York City restaurants and food service establishments with these containers,” said New York State Senator Mike Nozzolio. “This ban will destroy jobs and do nothing to reduce waste.  I urge the Mayor and the City Council to explore the option of a recycling program as an alternative.”

According to a study conducted by the research firm MB Public Affairs, there are over 1,200 polystyrene manufacturing jobs in New York State. All of these jobs would be in serious jeopardy if New York City banned this material. That represents $54 million in lost wages alone, and an even greater impact on the businesses that use these food service containers.

“Reducing waste and increasing recycling are important goals, but the truth is, this ban will not accomplish those objectives, and will harm many hardworking people right here in the Finger Lakes region. This ban would hurt businesses and consumers in New York City and destroy hundreds of manufacturing jobs in our community.   Instead of banning polystyrene foam, an effort should be made to establish a comprehensive recycling program,” said Senator Mike Nozzolio.

Enclosed is Senator Nozzolio’s recent letter to Mayor Bill de Blasio in opposition to this proposed regulation.

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