It’s a new year and that means the end of Styrofoam to-go containers in Oregon – although many cities including some on the central Oregon coast already prohibit them.
A state law took effect Jan. 1 that bans restaurants and food carts from using polystyrene foam, commonly known by the trademarked product name Styrofoam.
Senate Bill 543 passed 20-9 in 2023, with bipartisan support, but it didn’t take effect until this month.
Polystyrene is a non-biodegradable petroleum-based plastic. Maine was the first state to pass a ban on polystyrene foam containers in 2019, with the ban beginning in 2021. Eleven states, including California and Washington, have banned polystyrene foam food containers.
Several Oregon cities have already had bans in place, including Ashland, Eugene, Florence, Lincoln City, Waldport, Medford, Milwaukie, Newport, Silverton and Portland.
In an effort to encourage alternatives to Styrofoam, the 2023 Oregon Legislature passed a separate bill to allow restaurant customers to bring their own reusable containers for takeout or leftovers. Restaurants are not required to allow customers to do this, but the rules for those who do went into place in 2024.
