The National Development and Reform Commission has lifted a ban on disposable foam plastic dinnerware, which it banned eight years ago, Xinhua News Agency reported on Thursday.

Disposable foam plastic dinnerware is not harmful to people, and can be recycled and made into construction materials and paint, an official from the commission told Xinhua.

Many countries are widely using such dinnerware and saving on resources, the unnamed official said.

The ban was initially imposed in 2005, when disposable foam plastic dinnerware was discarded everywhere and caused widespread pollution.

Littering and illegal waste dumping have decreased in recent years, and the waste recycling system has been improved, said the official.