Minneapolis To Ban Styrofoam By 2015

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minneapolis will soon ban those white Styrofoam take-out containers.

The Minneapolis City Council has adopted a measure to amend the city code that will outlaw Styrofoam containers starting on Earth Day, April 22, 2015.

Council Member Andrew Johnson, who championed the measure, says Styrofoam is difficult to recycle and poses a health threat.

No food establishment or person handing out food or beverages will be able to use Styrofoam anymore. Critics of the measure say the ban will stain force businesses to turn to more expensive alternatives.

The city council hopes the move will reduce the city's waste stream and become more environmentally sound.

The proposal revises an ordinance that's already on the books by making it more understandable and enforceable.