Connecticut restaurants and caterers would no longer be able to provide customers with single-use expanded polystyrene food containers under legislation that has cleared the House of Representatives.

The proposed ban, which passed Tuesday on a 121-23 vote, would take effect July 1, 2021. It now awaits Senate action.

Proponents say the legislation is needed to discourage the use of the containers and reduce litter, noting expanded polystyrene containers can take 200 years to break down in a landfill. Some noted that many restaurants have already begun to swap out these products with greener options.

There are exceptions for pre-packaged food, raw meat and seafood.  Violators would face fines.

Brookfield Representative Steve Harding backed the bill, but had concerns about the cost to businesses.  He says this product has a very negative impact on the environment. But he says mom & pop restaurants and delis use the product because they can get it at such a reduced rate compared to alternatives.