OLYMPIA – Effective June 1, 2024, the Washington State Department of Ecology will implement a ban on several food service products made of expanded polystyrene (EPS). Often mistakenly referred to as Styrofoam™, EPS is a type of foamed plastic commonly used in takeout food containers and packing peanuts. Despite being recyclable, EPS is rarely accepted in curbside recycling programs due to the high costs associated with its recycling process.

In Washington, foam fragments, including EPS, are among the top ten items collected during beach cleanups organized by the Surfrider Foundation volunteers. The upcoming ban will specifically target EPS food service products such as cups, plates, to-go clamshells, trays, food containers, and single-use coolers. This follows the earlier prohibition of EPS packing peanuts, which came into effect on June 1, 2023.

The ban aims to reduce environmental pollution and promote the use of sustainable alternatives. For more information and a list of alternative products, visit the expanded polystyrene ban webpage or email [email protected]. Consumers are encouraged to choose alternatives that are free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).