This story was updated with new information Dec. 22 @ 10 a.m.

Montgomery County has joined the growing list of jurisdictions in the region that have banned single-use plastic straws.

The District along with Takoma Park, Prince George’s, and Charles counties have all banned the straws. Council President Tom Hucker recalled when the county first began conversations in 2014 about reducing the use of plastic and polystyrene, or styrofoam, products.

“We were ahead of most counties on this in recognizing the need to reduce plastic and polystyrene and styrofoam and other products, while also being responsive to our small businesses,” Hucker said at a virtual council meeting Tuesday. “This continues that work”

The bill extends existing county laws to reduce the use of plastic and polystyrene products and makes them more enforceable. The ban specifically targets a type of foam called expanded polystyrene, or EPS. It’s commonly known as Styrofoam, though technically that is a brand name, and a different kind of foam, used in building insulation.

“It also requires the use of compostable or recyclable food service ware by the county and prohibits the sale of polystyrene loose fill packaging in the county,” Hucker said.

The bill includes an exemption for individuals with disabilities, restaurants and other food service facilities will be asked to keep a limited supply of plastic straws for those customers. The bill would also require that plastic straw alternatives be made out of biodegradable materials.

County Executive Marc Elrich is expected to sign the legislation. It would go into effect on May 1, 2021, with 12 months for businesses to phase out plastic straws.

This story was corrected to clarify that EPS and Styrofoam are two different products.