Expanded polystyrene foam, commonly known as Styrofoam, has become a growing environmental concern due to its resistance to decomposition and limited recyclability. In 2025, multiple state legislatures introduced various pieces of legislation to restrict its use, particularly in the food service and packaging industries. Some polystyrene ban legislation gained traction, while others stalled or were vetoed.
At least 12 states and numerous localities across the U.S. have implemented polystyrene bans, joining a wave of environmental legislation aimed at reducing plastic waste.
Connecticut Considers Broad Polystyrene Ban Legislation, But Bill Stalls in 2025 Session
In 2025, Connecticut lawmakers introduced HB 6229, a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at banning polystyrene products across public institutions and food vendors, with the goal of reducing single-use plastics. The bill passed out of the House Environment Committee. However, the House took no further action before the end of the legislative session.
The proposal included phased restrictions beginning in 2027, targeting state agencies, municipalities, schools, and food vendors with government contracts. It would have prohibited the use of polystyrene food ware and packaging products, as well as certain single-use plastic items, such as straws and stirrers—although it would have permitted biodegradable straws upon request. It would have exempted prepackaged food containers, raw meat and seafood packaging, and encased coolers.
Enforcement would have been handled by the Departments of Consumer Protection and Energy and Environmental Protection, with written warnings for first-time violations and fines of up to $250 for repeat offenses. The bill also called for the installation of bottle-filling stations in new or renovated public buildings and the creation of a task force to explore further reductions in plastic waste.
Despite its comprehensive scope, the bill failed to advance past the House and remains inactive.
Delaware Weighs Polystyrene Ban Legislation Aimed at Retailers and Wholesalers
Delaware’s Senate Bill 130, introduced in 2025, sought to restrict the sale and distribution of polystyrene foam products by retailers and wholesalers. The bill passed the Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee but saw no further legislative movement by June 10.
The legislation targeted foam containers, coolers, and packing peanuts—items not accepted in the state’s curbside recycling programs. If enacted, the ban would take effect on January 1, 2027. Exemptions included small portion cups, raw meat trays (excluding those with black foam), manufacturer-prepackaged items, and shipping coolers.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control would be responsible for rulemaking and enforcement, including granting one-year waivers for businesses with low revenue or without feasible alternatives. While the bill aligns with broader environmental goals, its future remains uncertain.
Illinois Senate Advances Polystyrene Ban Legislation, But House Fails to Act
In 2025, the Illinois Senate passed the Disposable Food Service Container Act by a vote of 32–22. This polystyrene ban legislation sought to prohibit the sale and distribution of foam containers by 2030. However, the measure did not advance in the House before the session ended on June 1.
The bill applied to most single-use food containers and packaging items. However, it exempted foam coolers used for seafood shipping, egg cartons, and containers for raw meat. It allowed continued in-state manufacturing for products sold outside Illinois.
First violations would result in a warning, followed by escalating civil penalties up to $1,000. The measure would have split enforcement between the Attorney General and county State’s Attorneys, with fines directed to the Environmental Protection Trust Fund. The bill would also have preempted local regulations, though it would have grandfathered ordinances enacted before 2024.
Montana Governor Vetoes Polystyrene Ban Legislation After Lawmakers Approve It
In April 2025, the Montana Legislature passed HB 477, which would have phased out polystyrene foam containers in restaurants and food-related businesses by 2030. Governor Greg Gianforte vetoed the measure in May, citing economic and philosophical concerns.
The legislation included bans for restaurants, resorts, and bakeries, with exemption options for businesses facing undue hardship or lacking affordable alternatives. The Department of Environmental Quality would have overseen rulemaking and enforcement, funded in part by application fees and penalties.
In his veto message, Governor Gianforte criticized the bill as “textbook government overreach,” citing a $300,000 cost to administer the new program and the potential burden on roughly 7,500 Montana businesses. He questioned the bill’s narrow focus on food establishments while excluding other industries that use Styrofoam. In a video shared on social media, he added, “This bill is a hot mess,” praising the insulation benefits of polystyrene for coffee and takeout.
Nevada Passes Polystyrene Ban Legislation, But Governor Issues Veto Over Cost and Clarity Concerns
Nevada’s Assembly Bill 244 passed the Legislature in May 2025, aiming to restrict the use of polystyrene containers by food service businesses. However, Governor Joe Lombardo vetoed the measure on June 2, citing ambiguity in the bill and its potential cost to consumers and agencies.
The bill would have banned disposable food ware made from polystyrene starting October 1, 2025, for larger chain establishments, with a broader ban set to take effect in 2029. The measure would have included civil penalties of up to $100 per day for violations.
Lombardo’s veto message highlighted inconsistent language within the bill, potential cost increases for consumers, and enforcement challenges. He also questioned whether the legislation was necessary, suggesting it placed an unnecessary burden on a narrow set of businesses while failing to deliver broad impact. In a video shared publicly, Lombardo said, “This bill is a hot mess,” echoing concerns about the proposal’s practicality and clarity.
Pennsylvania Bill Proposes Limits on Polystyrene Use in Food Service and Retail
Introduced in January 2025, Pennsylvania’s House Bill 290 would prohibit the use of polystyrene containers and utensils by food establishments and retailers. The proposal was referred to the House Environmental & Natural Resource Protection Committee but had not seen further action.
The bill bans the serving of prepared food in polystyrene containers and the distribution of foam-based straws or cutlery, with carveouts for items such as meat trays, egg cartons, and certain packaging materials. The Department of Environmental Protection would handle enforcement and maintain a public compliance website. Civil penalties would range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the number of violations. The bill also includes a preemption clause to ensure statewide uniformity.
Latest News
Photo credit: iStock.com/sunstock As concerns over plastic pollution continue to grow, state legislatures across the country are revisiting and expanding policies aimed at reducing single-use plastic waste. Plastic bags, widely used for retail checkout, have [...]
Photo credit: iStock.com/Niiaz Sabirov In 2025, several U.S. states have introduced legislation to prohibit geoengineering, defined as intentional large-scale interventions in Earth’s atmosphere or climate systems, such as cloud seeding or solar radiation modification. These [...]
Photo credit: iStock.com/Hamburg Studios As Pennsylvania continues to navigate an evolving energy landscape, state leaders are proposing new approaches to ensure reliability, affordability, and sustainability. Governor Josh Shapiro recently announced his “Lightning Plan”, a six-part [...]
Photo credit: iStock.com/Ray Tan As the impacts of climate change intensify, several U.S. states are taking legislative steps to address the mounting costs of adaptation and resilience. New York, New Jersey, and Vermont have recently [...]
Stay In Touch