The new year marks the start of a ban on Styrofoam containers and packing materials in the city.

Mayor Bill de Blasio was joined by kids from Red Hook's P.S. 15 at a press conference Tuesday with other local leaders supporting the ban. 

The mayor says he first introduced the idea for the ban a decade ago with New Yorkers throwing out 60 million pounds of Styrofoam a year.

Food to-go containers at restaurants and cups, plates and other Styrofoam items sold at stores are no longer allowed to be used in the city. Packing peanuts are also not allowed, but foam containers that hold raw meat at grocery stores are OK.

Nonprofits and some small businesses can be exempt from the law if they can prove hardship caused by the ban.

Although the ban does start today, there is a six-month grace period for businesses to adjust. No fines will be issued until July.