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Why is polystyrene banned?

Because they are not readily recyclable, the materials end up in landfills, waste-to-energy facilities, or the environment. EPS materials are extremely brittle and break easily into tiny pieces. These small pieces scatter in the wind and contaminate the environment.

ecology.wa.gov - Expanded polystyrene ban

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Expanded polystyrene ban

Several types of expanded polystyrene will soon be banned for sale and distribution in Washington.

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What is expanded polystyrene (EPS)? EPS foam is a lightweight cellular plastic material consisting of small hollow spherical balls that are expanded and processed through a variety of techniques. For the legal definition, read the expanded polystyrene definition as it is listed in the law. Problems with expanded polystyrene Expanded polystyrene materials are difficult to recycle, and it’s expensive. They aren’t accepted in most of Washington’s residential recycling programs and are treated instead as a contaminant. Because they are not readily recyclable, the materials end up in landfills, waste-to-energy facilities, or the environment. EPS materials are extremely brittle and break easily into tiny pieces. These small pieces scatter in the wind and contaminate the environment. Bans on expanded polystyrene begin in 2023 and 2024 Who does the ban apply to? This ban applies to all manufacturers and distributors of EPS in or into Washington. Manufacturers include any person, firm, association, partnership, corporation, governmental entity, organization, or joint venture that: Produces the products covered under this ban, or Imports or distributes these products covered under this ban for sale in or into Washington. Distributors are any entity that markets, sells, or provides an EPS product as part of a transaction, promotion, or distributions of goods. Examples of distributors include: Shipping and packaging establishments

Small businesses who ship or package goods

Retail, grocery, and convenience stores

Restaurants or establishments offering take-out or delivery food or goods

Temporary stores or vendors, like farmers markets or event vendors

Health care, correctional, and institutional cafeterias, like schools.

Can my organization use up existing inventory after the ban’s effective date? No. This law bans the sale and distribution of EPS materials, even if businesses or entities have previously purchased stocks. We encourage entities that currently distribute and sell EPS to transition to a compliant material before or by the effective date of this ban. How will this law be enforced? We will respond to non-compliant businesses, institutions, manufacturers, and distributors with education, resources, and technical assistance. Though we intend to provide assistance in gaining compliance whenever possible, repeated and continuous non-compliance may result in up to a $250 fine. What’s next? We are providing technical assistance and guidance to manufacturers of the prohibited products. Also, we are working with local governments, producers, distributors, retailers, associations, and nonprofits to develop outreach materials. Remember 2023 restrictions on per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl (PFAS) substances When considering alternatives, remember upcoming restrictions PFAS We are also addressing PFAS in food packaging through an alternatives assessment process. Based on recent results from this project, we will restrict PFAS in wraps and liners, pizza boxes, trays, food boats, and plates, starting in February 2023. We are assessing other products for further restrictions, including flat serviceware (like trays and plates), open-top containers (like French fry cartons and food boats), closed containers (like clamshells), bowls, and bags.

Find more details and keep up with progress on the project website.

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Why did they ban Styrofoam?

It's made from the chemical styrene, which environmental experts say is a suspected carcinogen. There are some exemptions to the law, including polystyrene egg cartons, and the white polystyrene trays used by grocery stores to package raw meat and fish. Businesses that don't abide by the law will be fined.

spectrumlocalnews.com - New York's ban on styrofoam is now in effect - Spectrum News

New York's ban on polystyrene is now in effect as the New Year begins. The new law bans any single-use disposable polystyrene foam food service containers including bowls, cartons, clamshells, cups, lids, plates and trays will be banned. This law was made from an environmental perspective. Polystyrene is known as a problem piece of plastic. It’s made from the chemical styrene, which environmental experts say is a suspected carcinogen. There are some exemptions to the law, including polystyrene egg cartons, and the white polystyrene trays used by grocery stores to package raw meat and fish.