Non-recyclable food containers banned in Oxford

London: Oxford may be known the world over for its famous university -- but it is not far behind in terms of action to safeguard the environment.

This could be said of the British city as it is thought to have become the first city in the country to ban non-recyclable polystyrene foam food containers, beating New York City across the Atlantic, in enforcing the policy, The Independent reported on Tuesday.

All street vendors in Oxford will be required to use recyclable or biodegradable food containers from now on, in a bid to reduce the amount of waste the city sends to landfill.

The measure, which was voted through at a council meeting on Monday night, will apply from now on to burger vans, kebab vans, and to food sellers when they apply for new licences.

Vendors will, however, be allowed to use up any existing non-recyclable stock, which means that Oxford's streets are unlikely to look tidier overnight.