By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, Mo. – A law taking effect this week could make criminals out of people who bring Tupperware onto many Missouri rivers.
The law was intended to reduce the floating debris from discarded foam coolers. But lawmakers confused their chemistry and barred the wrong plastic.
The white foam coolers commonly called "Styrofoam" are made from expanded polystyrene. But the law bars polypropylene instead. That's a plastic found dishwasher-safe plastic containers.
The mix up means river floaters can use foam coolers without fear. But someone caught with a plastic container could risk up to a year in jail.