Dive summary:

• A Portland, Maine green packaging force has proposed a ban on polystyrene foam that would take effect July 2015.
• The ordinance would ban vendors from using polystyrene service ware when selling or serving food, but would allow it for emergency situations or if there is undue hardship.
• The proposed ban would, however, be nullified if a polystyrene recycling program were to begin in the city or if a similar statewide ban was enacted.

From the article:

The proposal includes exemptions for prepackaged foods in polystyrene containers, undue hardship and emergency situations, as well as amendments that would nullify the ban if an effective polystyrene recycling program were found, or if comparable statewide legislation were approved, the article indicates.

The city has already eliminated the use of polystyrene lunch trays in its public schools. The task force's next target is expected to be reducing the use of plastic bags in the city. ...