Expanded polystyrene ban

Images of expanded polystyrene products: cups, clamshells, plates, bowls, trays, coolers, and packaging peanuts.

Several types of expanded polystyrene, sometimes called Styrofoam™, will soon be banned for sale and distribution in Washington.

What is expanded polystyrene (EPS)?

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam is often referred to as Styrofoam™, a trademarked version of the material. However, the correct term for this material is expanded polystyrene.

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

In June 2023, packing peanuts and other void-filling packaging will be banned.

An illustration of packaging peanuts, a restricted EPS product under Washington law.

An illustration of expanded polystyrene packaging material, also called

In June 2024, portable coolers will be banned.

An illustration of an EPS cooler, restricted under Washington law.

In June 2024, food service products like containers, plates, bowls, clam shells, trays, and cups will be banned.

An illustration of an expanded polystyrene bowl.

An illustration of a partly open EPS clamshell.

Portable coolers for drugs, medical devices, and biological materials
Portable coolers for shipping perishable commodities from a wholesale or retail establishment
Packaging for raw, uncooked, or butchered meat, fish, poultry, or seafood, vegetables, fruit, or egg cartons

Impacted businesses

The new law will impact producers of these expanded polystyrene products:

Void filling packaging (“packing peanuts”)
Portable coolers
Food service products, including food containers, clamshell containers, plates, trays, and cups

Many other businesses, institutions, and importers who distribute or sell expanded polystyrene in Washington may need to adapt to comply with the law:

Retail establishments
Mailing/shipping businesses
Restaurants
Coffee shops and drive-throughs
Health care and institutional cafeterias, like school cafeterias
Small businesses

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.

A stick-and-ball model of PFAS molecules.

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.

Contact information

Heather Church
Eastern Washington waste reduction and recycling specialist
heather.church@ecy.wa.gov
509-202-6946

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