The Ulster County committee on July 1 postponed consideration of a proposed local law that would expand the county’s polystyrene ban to address additional disposable food-service containers after prolonged debate about definitions, enforceability and alternatives.

Sponsor materials described the amendment as adding thermoformed plastics — a manufacturing description that, some committee members said, risks sweeping in many recyclable items — and proposed language amendments that would substitute a narrower term: clamshell food-service containers. Legislators and staff discussed competing objectives: target the most problematic disposable items (single-use clamshells that are brittle and generally not recyclable) while avoiding unintended bans of recyclable yogurt cups, condiment bottles and other containers.

Why it matters: committee members said the policy could change procurement and operations for chain restaurants, local diners and county facilities; others noted precedents in Ulster County’s prior polystyrene and bag laws and the state’s Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (PREA), which failed to pass statewide but was discussed as a model for toxic‑chemical lists.

Major points from the discussion: committee members advocated a careful, chemistry-based approach (citing thermoforming as a production method), proposed drawing from PREA’s list of priority chemicals and called for robust education and outreach rather than relying solely on enforcement. Deputy County Executive Laval and Director Ryder noted that county-level bans can be preempted by state law and that enforcement capacity is limited; several members urged creation of a subcommittee or working group to develop alternatives and a short enforcement mechanism. One amendment circulated by a sponsor would add “clamshell” in the banned‑item lists to focus on to‑go hinged containers commonly used by restaurants.

Outcome: The committee voted to postpone the resolution and to form a working pathway (members suggested a subcommittee) to develop clearer definitions, enforcement proposals and alternatives before advancing to a public hearing.

Ending: Sponsors and staff said they will assemble technical guidance (resin codes, recyclability information and alternative container options), consult with recycling experts and consumer groups, and return to the committee with a tighter draft.