Hawai’i’s polystyrene ban for food containers goes into effect on July 1, 2019. Maui Now graphic.

A polystyrene foam food service container ban goes into effect today in Hawaiʻi County.

The ordinance passed in 2017, and as of today, prohibits disposable single-use polystyrene foam containers on the Big Island.

Although straws, lids, and cutlery are exempted, the County encourages the use of environmentally preferable alternatives.

Through this measure, it is the County’s intent to improve environmental quality on the island and in the neighboring marine environment.

A similar ban on Maui went into effect in December of 2018.