Melrose Polystyrene Ban Inches Forward

MELROSE, MA — The city is just one step away from joining dozens of other communities in banning polystyrene food containers and packaging. The ban would almost completely do away with polystyrene, including its most popular branded form, styrofoam, at food retailers and school cafeterias.

The ordinance moved through the City Council's Legal and Legislative Committee Monday night. It's expected to receive full support at the next Council meeting.

One of the region's most high-volume polystyrene traffickers, Dunkin', is mere days away from eliminating the substance that makes up its "hot cups." The rest of Melrose would be required to follow suit by July 1, 2020.

The date is beneficial to the school district, which won't need to make a change in the middle of the school year.

Polystyrene has been a big part of school lunches since the beginning of lunch ladies, even still in Melrose on "messy" lunch days, such as when spaghetti or fajitas are served. The food vendor used by Melrose Public Schools has already negotiated a small increase in lunch costs in preparation of going to paper.

The ordinance changed from a full ban to a small exception for food products made from suppliers, so Shaw's can still sell some branded food items that come in polystyrene. Council Mike Zwirko, who introduced the order, called it a compromise.

Trudy MacDonald of Zero Waste Melrose said the ban would be "a giant step" in the right direction, as it's one of the worst single-use items around.

Polystyrene isn't biodegradable and is mostly non-recyclable. It's also believed by scientists to be carcinogenic.

The City Council banned single-use plastic bags in 2017. This year it made it so single-use plastic straws would be available only upon request, though it isn't a ban. That goes into effect in December.