Bans on the use of styrofoam containers, plastic bags, and plastic straws in foodservice are becoming more common in states across the country. Restaurants rely heavily on disposable takeout supplies for carryout and delivery services, so it's important to learn about the current and impending bans that may affect your business. Keep reading to find out if your state has plastic and styrofoam bans in place, and check out our recommendations for environmentally friendly packaging alternatives. This page has been updated as of January 1, 2023, but it may not constitute the most up-to-date legal information. Because these laws change regularly, readers of this site should be familiar with applicable state laws and restrictions. Shop All Eco-Friendly Disposables Click below to learn more about plastic and styrofoam bans: Plastic Bag Bans Plastic Bag Alternatives Styrofoam Bans Styrofoam Alternatives Plastic Straw Bans Plastic Straw Alternatives Plastic Bag Bans There are different types of legislation that have been passed at the state, city, and county levels regarding the distribution of single-use plastic bags. Some restrictions ban the use of all plastic bags completely, some simply place a tax on plastic bags, and some ban plastic bags based on their thickness in millimeters. Contact your local government for the most up-to-date information on plastic bag bans in your area. What States Have Banned Plastic Bags? If you live in one of the following states, be aware that your business is affected by state-wide legislation regarding plastic bags: California Colorado (effective January 2024) Connecticut Delaware Hawaii (all local jurisdictions ban plastic bags) Maine New Jersey New York Oregon (affects retail and foodservice only) Rhode Island (effective January 2024) Vermont Virginia (affects state agencies, colleges, and universities only) Washington If you don't see your state on this list, you should still check the plastic bag ordinance in your area. Many states, like Alaska and New Mexico, have passed legislation in at least one city or county. Plastic Bag Alternatives If you're looking for an alternative to single-use plastic bags, there are many options available. Paper Bags - Stock paper bags instead of plastic bags for packaging takeout orders, retail purchases, and groceries. Reusable Bags - Reusable bags are considered the most environmentally friendly method of packaging goods. Food Boxes - Try skipping the bag altogether and using large takeout boxes with handles to package smaller items. Styrofoam Bans If your business offers takeout and delivery, you’re probably familiar with Styrofoam. This widely used material is lightweight and disposable, making it a staple among food trucks, delivery chains, and restaurants. Recent bans on Styrofoam, or expanded polystyrene, prohibit restaurants from serving food or drinks in Styrofoam containers. Read on to find out if your city is affected by recent bans. Styrofoam vs Polystyrene Styrofoam is a trademarked name by the Dow Chemical Company to describe their closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam. It is often used interchangeably with the term expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam. Styrofoam and EPS foam are typically used in takeout containers, disposable utensils, and coffee cups. Is Styrofoam Recyclable? Yes, Styrofoam is recyclable at designated recycling centers. The problem is that there are few recycling centers across the country that accept and recycle Styrofoam. If you aren't sure if the product is made from Styrofoam, look for a recyclable symbol with the number "6." Recycling centers that accept #6 plastic typically require the product to be clean and dry when it's dropped off at the facility. Unfortunately, the majority of America’s Styrofoam products are placed in landfills, where polystyrene does not break down. What States Have Banned Styrofoam Containers? The following states have passed state-wide legislation regarding expanded polystyrene products: Colorado (effective January 2024) Maine Maryland New Jersey New York Vermont Virginia (effective July 2023 for large businesses and July 2025 for small businesses) Washington (ban on packing peanuts effective June 2023; coolers and foodservice products ban effective June 2024) Washington, D.C. If you don't see your state on this list, you should still check the polystyrene ordinance in your area. Some states, like California and Hawaii, have passed legislation in at least one city or county. Styrofoam Alternatives If you live in an area currently affected by a Styrofoam ban, there are plenty of alternatives available to keep your takeout service running smoothly. Learn about environmentally friendly alternatives below or start shopping for eco-friendly takeout container options. PET Plastic - Containers made from PET plastic (polyethylene terephthalate) are flexible, lightweight, and recyclable. Many beverage bottles are made from PET because it is clear and resistant to cracking. You can also find PET deli containers that are ideal for packaging takeout items like soups, salads, and sides. PLA Plastic - The unique thing about PLA plastic (polylactic acid) is that it's made from renewable resources like sugar cane, corn starch, or sugar beets. Try using PLA plastic cups in place of styrofoam to-go cups. Paper/Double Poly-Coated Paper - Double poly-coated products combine eco-friendly paper construction with a moisture-resistant coating. Some coated products do contain forever chemicals called PFAS, so look for the "No PFAS Added" label when shopping. Plant Fiber - Plant fiber disposable products are lightweight and commercially compostable at proper processing facilities. Use liquid-resistant and microwave-safe plant fiber disposables to package deliveries and takeout orders. Post-Consumer Paperboard - Have you ever wondered where the paper in your recycling bin ends up? The material used to create post-consumer paperboard products comes from recycled paper fibers. Reusable Polypropylene Containers - Takeout containers made from recyclable polypropylene feature a durable, synthetic resin construction perfect for multiple-use applications. Plastic Straw Bans Plastic straw bans began popping up in Massachusetts in 2015 but didn't hit mainstream news until Seattle became the largest US city to enact a straw ban in 2018. Supporters of plastic straw bans argue that single-use straws have a negative environmental impact, but those opposed to a ban on plastic straws argue that more expensive alternatives will hurt their business’s bottom line. What States Have Banned Plastic Straws? These states have passed state-wide legislation regarding the distribution of single-use straws: California New Jersey Oregon Vermont Virginia (affects state agencies, colleges, and universities only) Washington (single-use straws only available by request) Washington D.C. If you don't see your state on this list, you should still check the plastic straw ordinance in your area. Some states, like Florida and Georgia, have passed legislation in at least one city or county. Plastic Straw Alternatives If your business currently operates in the affected states above, it may be time to ditch the plastic straws. Thankfully there are many eco-friendly straw alternatives you can use instead of plastic. PLA Plastic Straws - Recyclable straws made from PLA look like plastic, but they're compostable at the appropriate facilities and under the right conditions. PHA Straws - PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) is a bio-based material that can be composted at home, which sets it apart from other compostable materials. Straws made from PHA look and feel like plastic but are more sustainable. Paper Straws - Festive paper straws are a colorful option for catered events or special occasions, and they break down easily after use. Reusable Straws - Not only can these straws be washed and reused, but they also provide an upselling opportunity. Try offering eco-friendly reusable straws as an add-on item to your beverage menu. Edible Straws - Edible straws are a fun option for cold beverage like smoothies, milkshakes, and cocktails. They're made from edible materials that break down easily which makes them a great alternative to plastic straws. When it comes to operating your foodservice business, it’s important to stay on top of possible legislative action that may affect your operational costs. Styrofoam and plastic are both big parts of takeout and delivery services, so finding an environmentally friendly option that complies with regulations without compromising your bottom line is imperative. <aside class="pquote"> <blockquote> The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Please refer to our Content Policy for more details. </blockquote> </aside>