Thurston County, Washington

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Thurston County Washington

Public Works

Styrofoam/Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Ban

Expanded Polystyrene Ban Header

Effective June 1, 2024, Washington State law bans the sale and distribution of several types of expanded polystyrene products, commonly known by the trademarked brand Styrofoam.

This includes portable coolers and food service products like containers, plates, bowls, clam shells, trays, and cups. Packing peanuts and loose-fill packaging were banned in June 2023.

RCW 70A.245.070 Expanded polystyrene prohibitions—Penalty.

FAQ

This ban applies to any person, firm, association, partnership, corporation, government entity, organization, or joint venture that sells or distributes the expanded polystyrene (EPS) products covered by this ban.

Expanded Polystyrene is a lightweight, petrochemical plastic foam material created by the fusion of spherical balls or molded through injection, foam, or extrusion.

Read the legal definition of expanded polystyrene - (7)  RCW 70A.245.010: Definitions. (wa.gov)

EPS materials are a type of plastic that contain toxic chemicals and do not readily biodegrade. EPS materials break apart easily, allowing the small pieces to scatter in the wind and contaminate the environment. 

Curbside Collection – EPS products should be placed in the garbage. EPS products are not accepted in residential recycling programs.

Self-Hauling – The Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center (WARC) in Lacey suspended the EPS/plastic foam recycling program, effective February 28, 2023. Due to a recent law prohibiting certain types of plastic foam products, the processing facility the WARC used for this type of recycling ended operations in February 2023. Questions can be directed to 360-867-2491 or ThurstonSolidWaste@co.thurston.wa.us. 

No. There is no exception to previously purchased ESP inventory. As of June 1, 2024, the sale and distribution of EPS materials covered by this ban are prohibited.

This law supports technical assistance and guidance. Manufacturer penalties of $250 for the first penalty and $1000 for repeated violations are outlined in the law.

Further information related to compliance, penalties, and the enforcement process can be found in RCW 70A.245.070 and through the Department of Ecology EPS Ban webpage.

JUNE 2024 BANNED EPS PRODUCTS INCLUDE:

  • Portable coolers
  • Food service products like containers, plates, bowls, clam shells, trays, and cups
Graphic showing banned EPS products

JUNE 2023 BANNED EPS PRODUCTS INCLUDE:

Packing peanuts and other loose fill packaging     

Pink packing peanuts

CURRENTLY EXEMPT EPS PRODUCTS INCLUDE:

  • Block EPS packaging material
  • Trays and packaging for raw, uncooked, or butchered meat, fish, poultry, or seafood, vegetables, fruit 
  • Egg cartons
  • EPS containers for drugs, medical devices, and biological materials or shipping perishable commodities from a wholesale or retail establishment

 

Expanded Polystyrene Alternatives