MARYLAND — Takeout food service will never be the same after this week in Maryland when a ban on plastic foam cups and food containers takes effect. Implementation of the ban was delayed from July 1 to Oct. 1 to let businesses gear up while dealing with coronavirus restrictions.

Proponents say the ban will protect the environment and keep plastic foam out of area waterways and landfills.

Maryland is the first state in the country to prohibit use of foam containers, the Baltimore Sun reported. With restaurant use shifting largely to takeout in recent months, the amount trash generated has soared nationwide, jumping 22 percent in Baltimore, the newspaper said.

The polystyrene ban became law without Gov. Larry Hogan’s signature.

The 2019 legislative session the Maryland General Assembly banned the use of food service products composed of expanded polystyrene, commonly referred to under the trademark name of Styrofoam.

Cups, plates,