Takeout-craving New York City is opening the door to outlawing plastic foam to-go cups and trays, unless a yearlong inquiry shows they can be recycled effectively.

The City Council unanimously approved that plan Thursday. It’s likely a last chapter in Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s extensive environmental agenda. He leaves office Dec. 31.

Bloomberg suggested banning the foam containers earlier this year, and he’s expected to sign the legislation.

San Francisco and dozens of other U.S. cities already have nixed food containers made from what’s technically called expanded polystyrene foam. It takes a long time to break down in landfills, and there’s debate over how readily it can be recycled once soiled by food.

But some restaurateurs value the foam for its light weight, low price and insulating properties.

(AP)