Forty legislators approved in the second reading the 19833 file that bans the use of expanded polystyrene, or better known as styrofoam containers in shops, and that would reform the Law for the Integral Management of Residues.
The initiative was presented by the former Frente Amplio congressman, Edgardo Araya, and they extended the project for cafeterias and restaurants.
José María Villalta, also from Frente Amplio, said in his official social networks that
with this new law we started the process of replacing styrofoams with less polluting materials, encouraging new industries.”
Citizen Action Party legislator Paola Vega had a similar reaction.
Costa Rica now prohibits the importation, distribution and sale of expanded polystyrene packaging [thanks to] The Environment Commission’s great effort to bring forward with this project, initiative of the Frente Amplio, and turn it into law,
she added.
The project transfers to the Ministry of Health the responsibility to apply the respective sanctions to the businesses that use this product.
Now, the project must be signed by the president of the Republic, Carlos Alvarado.