Polystyrene Foam Rules: Arlington Heights vs Chicago
How do polystyrene foam rules rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Chicago, IL?
Arlington Heights and Chicago have similar restriction levels.
Arlington Heights, IL
Cook County
Cook County has no countywide ban on polystyrene foam food containers. County Code Ch. 30 limits foam in certain county-operated facilities. Chicago and several suburbs (Evanston, Oak Park) have stronger municipal foam restrictions.
View full Arlington Heights rules →Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago has no citywide ban on expanded polystyrene foam food containers as of 2026. Specific rules cover Park District facilities, McCormick Place, and city-purchased food service. Restaurants and stores may otherwise still use foam clamshells and cups.
View full Chicago rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| County rule | Ch. 30 procurement only | - |
| Statewide ban | None in Illinois | - |
| Evanston | Foam ban since 2014 | - |
| Forest Preserve | Foam banned at events | - |
| Citywide ban | - | None as of 2026 |
| Park District | - | Foam barred at concessions |
| City procurement | - | EPS not purchased |
| State law | - | PA 102-0492 state agencies |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington Heights FAQ
Can my restaurant serve coffee in foam cups?
In unincorporated Cook County and most suburbs, yes. Check your municipality: Evanston, Oak Park, and parts of Chicago restrict polystyrene food-service containers and cups.
Are polystyrene packing peanuts banned?
No. Cook County's Ch. 30 procurement rule and suburb bans focus on food-service foam. Shipping and packaging foam remains unregulated countywide.
Chicago FAQ
Can a Chicago restaurant still use foam clamshells for takeout?
Yes. Chicago has no general foam ordinance, so restaurants may still serve takeout in EPS clamshells. Facility-specific rules at Park District sites and McCormick Place do prohibit foam.
Has Chicago considered a citywide foam ban?
Yes. Aldermanic proposals to ban EPS food ware citywide have been introduced since 2018 but have not passed. Statewide, Illinois has banned EPS only for state agency procurement.
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