The city is set to begin enforcing the Styrofoam ban today.

The ban began in January, but businesses were give a six-month warning period. Today begins the official enforcement.

The ban effects food service establishments and mobile food commissaries. They can no longer possess or sell single use foam food containers. Most often these types of containers are used for takeout, but this also affects businesses that use, or offer for sale loose fill foam packaging, like packing peanuts, in New York City.

The Department of Sanitation says the foam simply can't be recycled in a manner that's economically feasible or environmentally effective for the city. Mayor Bill de Blasio says the products hurt the environment.

Violators of the ban could face a $250 fine for their first offense, $500 for the second and $1,000 for three or more offenses.

There are some exceptions, including foam blocks that are used as protective packaging for shipping.