Boston-Area Town Bans Styrofoam Cups Despite Dunkin’s Appeals

The Boston-area Town of Brookline voted 160-27 in special town meeting to ban the use of disposable polystyrene (a.k.a. Styrofoam) for take-out food and beverages in its restaurants and cafes.

The biggest opponent of the ban? Dunkin’ Donuts, which has four locations within the town limits and dozens more in neighboring suburbs and in Boston’s city center.

According to a Boston.com report, Christine Riley, director of corporate social responsibility for Dunkin’ brands, told the town that there are no reasonable alternatives to polystyrene containers that won’t require the company to spend more money. “If that existed we would be using it,” Riley said, according to Boston.com.

Dunkin’ was the only coffee house representative that spoke at the meeting, despite there being at least 12 other coffee shops in Brookline, including eight nine shops and three Starbucks locations.