The use of polystyrene foam take-out containers was the topic of lively debate this past week as the County Council considered prohibiting restaurants from using the controversial material.

A bill before the council would ban the use of polystyrene foam containers, which are commonly given out as containers and cups when traveling with food.

The bill was introduced by Councilman Chris Trumbauer, an Annapolis Democrat. A similar bill was introduced to the Annapolis city council, although neither has received a vote.

The county version of the bill was amended at Monday’s meeting, and will be taken up at the next council meeting, June 18.

Supporters of the bill said it would protect the environment from a substance that endangers wildlife and pollutes landfills. Polystyrene foam containers do not naturally decompose and cannot be recycled by trash plants for Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, environmentalists said.

Brooks Schandelmeier of Annapolis said he supported the bill because it would protect the environment.

“It is just a common sense measure,” Schandelmeier said.

But opponents say the legislation would drive up the cost of disposable food services. They also argue the county and city don’t have the proper infrastructure to handle compost materials, which would likely take the place of the foam products and other types of containers often aren’t recycled after being contaminated by food.

County Executive Steve Schuh and Councilman Derek Fink of Pasadena, both Republicans, are each owners of restaurants.

Schuh’s administration opposed the bill, saying it is tantamount to a tax increase on small businesses.

“We did not find health risks with polystyrene,” said Bernie Marcyzk, county director of Government Affairs. “We agree with you 100 percent, all pollution is bad. We feel we shouldn’t be drafting legislation narrowly and wonder what comes next. Litter is litter and shouldn’t be tolerated in the county.”

Brynn Bogarde, a junior at Broadneck High School, said she supported the bill because of polystyrene’s negative impact on the environment. She lauded her school’s environmental program for motivating her position.

But the cost of changing containers would come with a burdensome cost, said Alex Szachnowicz, Anne Arundel County Public Schools chief operating officer. He opposed the bill while at the same time praising the school’s environmental literacy programs.

The school served more than 5 million meals last year, Szachnowicz said. Other containers prices could double or almost triple the 3 cents per container paid right now, he said.

“Take that small delta and multiply by a huge number,” Szachnowicz said.

Councilman Pete Smith had concerns about the bill and put forth two amendments. The Severn Democrat’s proposed amendments changed the start date from September 2019 to January 2020 and downgraded the severity of the civil offense.

Both amendments passed.

“I do support helping the environment that is beneficial but also not a hindrance to the business community as well,” Smith said.

ccook@capgaznews.com