PRICES for fast food are set to become more expensive as a new July law comes into effect.
Fast food chains have been threatened with $50 daily fines if they do not comply, with the risk this cost could be passed onto the customer.
Prices for fast food are set to become more expensive as a new July law comes into effect[/caption]
Coming in from the start of this month, restaurants in 10 states will no longer be able to use containers made from expanded polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam.
Chains often rely on these type of containers because they are cheaper than biodegradable ones.
Wheras Styrofoam ones go for about 14 cents per container, more enviornemtnally friendly ones are roughly 25 cents.
Last week, Delaware became the latest state to join the list signing onto the law, which includes Californa and Virginia.
The law specifially targets food vendors with 20 or more locations, with a larger ban coming into effect on July 1, 2026.
Overall, Styrofoam containers are thought to be damaging to both the environment and to wildlife, and also takes over 500 years to decompose in landfills.
Despite this, industry reps have slammed the law, with some highlighting the damage it could do to small businesses.
CEO of the Delaware Restaurant Association, Carrie Leishman, told Delaware Online: “The stain which this could place on a small business could end so many of them.
“What this bill really impacts is equity in the restaurant business.
“The impact upon our local ethnic minority communities, given its effects on these small restaurants, will be incredibly damaging.”
Fast food customers have also spoken out negatively against the law, namley those at Chick-fil-A.
One disgruntled fan wrote on social media: “I’m fine with the fries change, but taking away the Styrofoam cup? This feels gross.”
Another added: “I understand if it’s better for the environment.
“I just reeaaallly wish we could find a similar alternative, because Styrofoam really does keep that ice from melting nearly as fast.”
The stain which this could place on a small business could end so many of them
Carrie Leishman, CEO of the Delaware Restaurant Association
LAW SUPPORTERS
There are those that have spoken out in favor of the law, from fans to lawmakers themselves.
Governor Janet Mills in Maine, the first state to ban the product in January 2021, said: “Polystyrene cannot be recycled like a lot of other products, so while that cup of coffee may be finished, the Styrofoam cup it was in is not.
“In fact, it will be around for decades to come and eventually it will break down into particles, polluting our environment, hurting our wildlife, and even detrimentally impacting our economy.”
Customers have also agreed with the ban online.
One person wrote: “Honestly, this is one hill I really don’t care to die on.
“If it bothers you so much, you can always keep a Yeti mug in your car and transfer your drink to that.”
While another noted: “Styrofoam isn’t biodegradable, so the cups from Chick-fil-A you got as a kid, well, they’re still sitting there!
“Not going anywhere, just piling up more and more.”
Several states have made their own green pledges, like California, which vowed to cut single-use plastics by 25% by 2032.
Meanwhile, New York banned the sale of plastic bags way back in 2020.
Last week, Delaware became the latest state to join the list signing onto the law, which includes Californa and Virginia[/caption]
