ALBANY N.Y. — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is reminding businesses, organizations, and consumers that expanded waste reduction laws take effect January 1, 2026.
The new rules extend the state’s ban on polystyrene foam food service containers (such as Styrofoam) to include cold storage containers, such as coolers and ice chests. They also expand restrictions on single-use plastic bottles for personal care products at hotels, motels, and boarding houses with fewer than 50 rooms.
Polystyrene foam is a major source of litter, impacting waterways, wildlife, and communities. The material is not easily recyclable, lightweight, and does not biodegrade. Under the updated ban, no covered food service provider, manufacturer, or store may sell or distribute expanded polystyrene foam containers that are not fully encased in more durable packaging…