In 2021, Virginia passed a law that requires food vendors to stop using expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam products:
- Vendors with 20 or more locations must stop using EPS by July 1, 2025.
- All other food vendors must stop using EPS by July 1, 2026.
EPS—often called foam or by the brand name Styrofoam—is a non-recyclable material used in disposable cups, plates, containers, and other food packaging.
EPS harms the environment and public health:
- It takes more than 500 years to break down in landfills.
- It blows easily out of trash cans and into streets and waterways
- It’s dangerous to wildlife.
- It contains styrene, which can be harmful to humans in large amounts.
Any business that serves prepared food must switch to safer alternatives. This includes:
- Restaurants
- Food trucks
- Caterers
- Grocery store salad bars and hot food sections
- Schools
- Other food service providers
Replace EPS with eco-friendly options like:
- Reusable containers
- Recyclable plastics
- Recycled paper products
- Compostable materials
- Bamboo or wheat straw
- Foil or metal containers
If you have questions about the foam food container ban or need help understanding what’s required, contact arlrecycles@arlingtonva.us.
County staff can provide information about the ban, timelines, and acceptable alternatives, and can also work with food businesses to share education and guidance about compliance.