SACO — If a proposal by the city comes to fruition, takeout food will no longer be packed in Styrofoam.

Expanded polystyrene foam, commonly referred to as Styrofoam, does not biodegrade, and is not recyclable.

Councilor Eric Cote has suggested the city consider implementing a Styrofoam ban similar to bans implemented by municipalities such as Freeport and Brunswick that would prohibit retailers and restaurants from using Styrofoam to package prepared food.

Cote said at Monday night’s City Council workshop that a Styrofoam ban would lower trash disposal costs, because retailers would replace Styrofoam with recyclable containers. Recycling costs the city less money than trash, as the city does not have to pay to dispose of recyclables.

“It would save us a couple of bucks, and I think it’s good for the environment,” said Cote.

City Manager Kevin Sutherland said if the city decides to move forward with the ban, he’d like the city to spend some time to discuss with businesses about how it would affect them. Mayor Roland “Ron” Michaud agreed.

The proposal was received positively by other councilors .

“I don’t really see any issue at all with this,” said Councilor Nathan Johnston, who owns a downtown cocktail lounge and whose parents own a downtown sandwich shop. He said there were plenty of other types of containers available to package food.

“I think it’s a good idea, and Saco would be moving in a good direction,” said Councilor Roger Gay.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].