Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado this month signed legislation to phase out polystyrene, a widely used material in food containers and packaging.  In a statement after the July 15 signing, the government cited discarded polystyrene cups, plates, food containers and other products as a major contributor to pollution of Costa Rica’s rivers and coastal waters. Though polystyrene can be recycled, authorities note Costa Rica does not have the equipment needed to do so. “It’s a material that can’t be reused,” said Daniel Salas, Costa Rica’s Health Minister. “This is why this ban on the import and sale [of polystyrene] is so important, as it will reduce the pollution caused by this type of waste.” The new law directs the Health Ministry to update the country’s waste-management plan within the next six months to include incentives aimed at phasing out polystyrene use. The ban will begin in 2021, with... [Log in to read more]