Washington bans expanded polystyrene containers

The state of Washington has banned most expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam containers, including coolers, cups, trays, bowls and clamshell containers. The ban was enacted June 1.

The Department of Ecology for the state of Washington (Ecology) says alternatives are currently available at restaurants and businesses.

The restrictions are the latest phase in a 2021 law that seeks to reduce the use of plastic products in landfills. The EPS food service product restrictions apply to anyone who sells or distributes EPS foam products. This includes retail, restaurants, coffee shops and drive-throughs, healthcare and correctional facilities, institutions, government entities, organizations and schools.

“Single-use plastic foam products are cheap to buy, but their environmental cost is high,” says Peter Lyon, solid waste management program manager for the Washington Department of Ecology. “Expanded polystyrene is difficult to recycle and often ends up becoming litter. There are many alternatives available, so switching away from these materials should be an easy step for businesses and consumers.”

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Items not included in the EPS foam ban are egg cartons and packaging for raw, uncooked or butchered meat fish, poultry, seafood, vegetables and fruit. Visit Ecology’s EPS ban website for a full list of banned and exempted EPS products.

Ecology says restrictions start with education, but penalties are possible. The department says it intends to initially focus its efforts on educating businesses about the law and alternatives to EPS products, but the law includes penalties of $250 for the first offense and $1,000 for additional incidents where businesses don’t comply with the restrictions.