Polystyrene foam containers are banned from use and sale in the state starting January 1,2025

Foam containers banned

Polystyrene Foam Container Ban

Effective Date: January 1, 2025

Overview
Starting January 1, 2025, Senate Bill 543 (SB 543) prohibits the use and sale of polystyrene foam (commonly known as Styrofoam) containers for prepared foods, as well as other foam-based products. The ban applies to:

  • Restaurants, grocery stores, delis, food carts, and other establishments selling prepared foods to the public.
  • The sale of foam packing peanuts, single-use foam coolers, and containers containing intentionally added PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances).
  • Any individual or business selling or distributing these banned products.

For full details and definitions, please refer directly to SB 543.

Why Ban Polystyrene Foam and PFAS?

Polystyrene foam and PFAS pose significant risks to public health and the environment. The ban primarily aims to:

  1. Reduce Litter: Foam containers easily fragment into microplastics, contaminating ecosystems and harming wildlife.
  2. Minimize Health Impacts:
    • Polystyrene foam, derived from fossil fuels and synthetic chemicals, is listed as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” by a 2014 National Research Council report.
    • PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” persist in the environment and accumulate in humans and animals, leading to potential health issues such as cancer, reproductive problems, and high cholesterol.

What Products Are Banned?

  1. Polystyrene Foam Containers: Including bowls, plates, cups, lids, clamshells (hinged), and other items used for serving prepared foods.
  2. Foam Packaging Peanuts: Loose foam commonly used for shipping and packaging.
  3. PFAS-Containing Containers: Paper-based packaging treated with PFAS to resist oil and moisture.

Consequences of Violation

Businesses and individuals distributing banned products may face fines ranging from $100 to $500 per day. However, the ban does not apply to certain Styrofoam containers, such as those used for shipping or storing non-prepared foods (e.g., egg cartons).

What to Use Instead

Reusable items are the best choice for both the environment and public health. Businesses can save money and encourage sustainability by allowing customers to bring their own clean, reusable containers.

  • As of 2023, SB 545 permits restaurants to accept customer-owned containers under rules set by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). See the Food Code Fact Sheet for more details.
  • GreenScreen for Safer Chemicals maintains a database of food serviceware that does not contain PFAS.

If disposables are necessary, choose non-foam containers. For paper containers, confirm that they use a moisture barrier free of PFAS to ensure food safety.

Click here more information or to contact DEQ .

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