New York’s ban on disposable coolers made from Styrofoam goes into effect on January 1st.
Starting with any food service provider, manufacturer or store covered by the ban, no foam coolers, refrigerators or other containers designed for cold storage will be allowed to be sold, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.
The state advises people to use more durable reusable coolers instead of foam ones.
New York first banned single-use Styrofoam containers and peanut packaging, more commonly known as Styrofoam, in 2022. Lawmakers originally approved the ban as part of the state budget two years earlier.
Since the ban first went into effect, restaurants covered by the law have not been allowed to use foam food packaging, and manufacturers and retailers have been prohibited from using the material for packaging.
Coolers are now being added to the list of banned foam items.
This rule is intended to help reduce the amount of waste.
Styrofoam is the top litter source according to the DEC. Objects made using foam break down easily, are not subject to rapid biological degradation and can remain in the environment for a long time.
The foam from the radiators does not disappear completely. It can still be used in their construction if contained within a more durable layer.
So if you take apart a reusable cooler even after January 1st, you may still find foam inside.
More information about the foam ban can be found at DEC website.
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