A single service styrofoam (also known as Expanded Polystyrene, EPS) ban goes into effect on January 1, 2019 in New York City “following the dismissal of a lawsuit preventing the implementation of the ban.”
“This means that food service establishments, stores, and manufacturers may not possess, sell, or offer for use single service EPS foam food service articles or loose fill packaging … manufacturers and stores may not sell or offer single-use foam items such as cups, plates, trays, or clamshell containers in the City.”
“There is a six month grace period from when the ban goes into effect … Non-profits and small businesses with less than $500,000 in revenue per year may apply for hardship exemptions … if they can prove that the purchase of alternative products not composed of EPS would create undue financial hardship … EPS is already banned in cities across the country, including Washington, DC, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Oakland, Portland, Albany, and Seattle.”
Source: Mayor de Blasio Announces Ban On Single-use Styrofoam Products In New York City Will Be In Effect Beginning 2019, June 13, 2018