Since 2019 most Styrofoam products have been banned from possession, sale, or use in New York City. This ban includes foam takeout containers, cups, plates, bowls, trays and ‘packing peanuts’ (the little things that they use to cushion packages). The prohibition is an effort to eliminate this ecologically damaging material that cannot be recycled and doesn’t biodegrade. New York joins other US cities that are working to eliminate foam products including San Francisco, Minneapolis, Oakland, Portland and Seattle.