As many restaurants are still struggling and increasingly relying on foam containers to carry takeout food, a key legislative committee voted Friday to ban the containers starting in July 2023. Democrats on the environment committee say the single-use containers are major polluters that should be banned because the products do not break down naturally, pollute the oceans and take up excessive space in landfills.
But Republicans expressed concern about the economic impact on restaurants and catering businesses — saying the measure needs to be delayed. More than 600 restaurants have closed during the ongoing pandemic, and others closed briefly in the winter as they prepare for outdoor dining in the coming weeks and months.
“We are really putting a burden on these restaurants a little too quickly in a pandemic,” said Rep. Stephen Harding of Brookfield, the ranking House Republican on the committee. “We don’t know when restaurants will be able to get back on their feet … particularly restaurants providing takeout. To do it now to our restaurants is not a prudent step to take.”