Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — If you’ve gone into local eateries asking for take-out, you will notice that many are now using ‘paper’ containers. The three restaurants Samoa News visited over the week are using non-Polystyrene foam containers, including cups for take-outs. And, in the case of one of the restaurants, a plastic-reusable container with cover was used.

However, as part of the preparation for the sales and distribution ban of Polystyrene foam containers, AS-EPA recently conducted a comprehensive inspection of Polystyrene foam container inventory held by several wholesalers and major retailers in the territory.

As a result of these inspections, AS-EPA has confirmed that, unfortunately, there remains a significant volume of Polystyrene foam containers still on-island, yet to be sold or distributed.

These products were legally imported into American Samoa prior to the import ban's effective date, as confirmed by AS-EPA's detailed review of the business records for each inventory, including product purchase orders, shipping invoices, and ASG Customs excise tax receipts.

In light of these developments, AS-EPA will now delay enforcement of the polystyrene SALES AND DISTRIBUTION ban until the new year (January 2025).

This means that all businesses, including stores and food establishments, will have until DECEMBER 31, 2024 to sell and distribute their existing stocks of polystyrene foam containers in American Samoa without threat of penalty.

Throughout this time period, AS-EPA will continue to conduct periodic inspections of polystyrene foam container inventories, in order to monitor and track the movement of these stocks, particularly near the end of this extension period.

By law, AS-EPA is designated as the lead agency for implementation and administration of the ban, including public outreach and enforcement. AS-EPA seeks to advise the public of recent developments in the implementation of this important new law.

Shortly after the passage of the Polystyrene Foam Container Ban, and prior to the ban's effective date, AS-EPA reached out directly to local businesses to offer information and assistance.

While many local businesses are stocked up with Polystyrene foam containers, the AS-EPA is now implementing the next phase of the Polystyrene Foam Container Ban law — the ban on sales and distribution of the foam containers within American Samoa.

AS-EPA Director Lefega Fa'amao Asalele said, "We stand by our pledge to support local businesses in the transition from polystyrene foam containers to acceptable alternatives,” according to a press release issued yesterday by ASG. “These combined efforts will ultimately benefit the entire community and our natural environment," the director said.

Since the ban's effective date on May 7, 2024, AS-EPA has worked closely with ASG Department of Treasury, Customs Division, to ensure that prohibited Polystyrene foam containers are no longer imported into American Samoa.