Oregon Bans the Use of Styrofoam Containers for Prepared Food and Drink
Oregon businesses can no longer use Styrofoam containers for food or drinks.
Transgressions are punishable with fines of up to $500 a day.
Polystyrene is Petroleum-Based Plastic Harmful to Health and the Environment
The purpose of the bill is to protect the environment from plastic waste.
Styrofoam is made from polystyrene, a petroleum-based plastic acknowledged as harmful to health.
Styrofoam contains additives like fire retardants, making it suitable as a container for hot fluids and foods. However, it is not biodegradable and poses environmental challenges.
The law also prohibits the use and sale of foam-packaging peanuts and single-use foam containers.
‘Forever Chemicals’ are Linked to Illnesses like Cancer
Poly-fluorinated substances, aka ‘forever chemicals,’ are contained in Styrofoam products used by fast food vendors and restaurants. ‘Forever chemicals’ are linked to cancer, cholesterol, reproductive organs, and immune system suppression.
Oregon becomes the ninth state in the U.S. to ban the use and distribution of Styrofoam as containers for food and drinks.
Senate Bill 543 became effective on January 1, banning the use and distribution of Styrofoam cups and containers. The bill was passed in April 2023 with bipartisan support.
Oregon businesses must now supply customers with recyclable or compostable food and liquid containers. Fines for failing to do so range from $100 to $500 daily.
Bill 543 does not ban Styrofoam for edibles such as raw eggs.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has also signed Senate Bill 545 into effect, directing the Oregon Health Authority to control rules and regulations regarding food and drink containers. It is now legal for the public to provide their own reusable containers when ordering from food outlets.
Takeaway
Ordinances prohibiting the sale of prepared food in polystyrene foam containers have already been adopted by the Oregon cities of Portland, Medford, Ashland, Lincoln City, Eugene, Milwaukie, Florence, Silverton, and Newport.
Sources & References
- Gov. Tina Kotek signs ban on Styrofoam food containers into law – https://wou.edu/westernhowl/gov…