Guyana to ban imports of plastic foam containers

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The South American country of Guyana says it is forbidding imports of plastic foam containers, starting in June. That amounts to a virtual ban since there are no domestic producers.

Natural Resources Minister Robert Persaud says importers have a seven-month grace period to switch to alternative containers, such as cardboard.

Guyana has been considering a ban for several years because plastic foam boxes have clogged drainage systems, contributing to deadly floods.

Several U.S. cities and counties have either banned or considered banning plastic foam containers.