Styrofoam and polystyrene materials will be banned in Washington starting June 1

Starting June 1 expanded polystyrene products, including Styrofoam products, will be prohibited from sale in Washington. This includes food service products like cups, plates, to-go clamshells, trays and food containers, as well as packing peanuts and single-use coolers.

According to the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) expanded polystyrene (EPS) materials are difficult and expensive to recycle, and aren't accepted in most of Washington's residential recycling programs. EPS materials are also brittle and break into small pieces that can contaminate the environment.

[TylerMeyers]

No one should still be using Styrofoam these days to go containers. This should not have been a surprise take some responsibility and eat the cost of your loss.

[prestomation]

I'm disappointed in King5's coverage. This restaurant had 3 years to prepare. Why no mention of this long grace period? I can't comment on increased costs but hard to take this station and restaurant seriously with the slant.

[Anonymous-fjdj]

That’s why I was charged a takeout fee yesterday. They should find ways to encourage customers to bring their own containers

[daveb]

freakin hippies, the world is already doomed, too late to care now.

[EsotericDichotomy]

Getting tired of the government telling us what we can and cannot do.

[hottractor]

What a surprise! Not. It's been coming for almost 3 years now.

[sasha]

It's about time. I did a science project on plastics in middle school...many many years ago. It's sad that it's taken this long to enact change. But I do feel for these small businesses who have to deal with today's outrageous prices. This is where the govt also needs to step in to help.

[icelandviking]

Where will I have to drive to get my single use cooler now! Idaho? Well, I’m going there to get those full auto 30rd magazines anyway.

[Alunaevergreen]

It’s about time. Though I am sorry for the temporary pressure this will put on our restaurants.

[JJ-klyj]

Styrofoam is a big contributor of the microplastics that end up in our bodies. The containers take up a lot of room in the garbage can, which homeowners have to pay for by size. There are lots of cardboard options such as classic Chinese food containers that can be folded flat for disposal, or recyclable aluminum.

[ji-wonseong]

This state is already falling apart from the massive minimum wages. No cage-free eggs, banning styrofoam, and taxing us more isn't helping our actual problems.

[priscillatorkelson]

So then Resteraunts need to get there To go containers, & have them made outta Cardboard.

[joshwebb]

It’s about time people are trying to stand up for the planet against cars. This is the issue.