The city's ban on foam packaging officially takes effect Wednesday, and restaurants and other businesses say they're adapting with new cups and containers - and higher prices. NY1's Roger Clark filed the following report.

At the Othello Deli in Astoria, styrofoam is already a thing of the past. The owners say the transition to other types of containers for takeout means customers are paying a bit more for their food.

"Absolutely. We had to raise our price. We didn't have a choice," said Angelo Beninati of the Othello Deli. "The aluminum and plastic are more expensive than styrofoam. But you know. Rules are rules."

He is referring to the city ban that took effect Wednesday on containers and packing materials made from expanded polystyrene. The ban was enacted because the material is not easily biodegradable, hurting the environment.

There is a six-month grace period for businesses before they can receive violations and fines, but restaurants are already adapting.

"It is a pain in the butt and it's double the money, so we have to deal with it," said Theodore Beninati of the Othello Deli.

A coalition of small businesses is still fighting the ban and says more than 700 have signed a petition showing their disapproval.

A group called the Restaurant Action Alliance issued a statement, saying, "We are confounded by the city's unwillingness to listen to reason and their false claims...Foam is 100 percent recyclable. We will continue to fight the ban, help the city's small businesses, and work to improve the environment."

At the Bel-Aire Diner in Astoria, manager Joe Tsiforas says they still have some styrofoam left, but once the supply is gone, they will switch to aluminum containers.

"We've phased out already. We've already absorbed the cost," Tsiforas said. "And like I said, it's the right thing to do."

But Carl Erlich of Victory Food, which supplies packaging to the diner, calls the ban ridiculous.

"There's some collusion. Something's wrong," Erlich said. "Somebody's has to be making money with this. And I think it's totally unfair."

In addition to the grace period, the city's Department of Small Business Dervices is allowing some nonprofit organizations, stores and restaurants to apply for exemptions if the ban will create an undue financial hardship.