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πŸ›οΈ Single-Use Items/Polystyrene Foam Rules

Polystyrene Foam Rules: Aurora vs Centennial

How do polystyrene foam rules rules compare between Aurora, CO and Centennial, CO?

Centennial has fewer restrictions than Aurora.

Aurora, CO

Arapahoe County

Heavy Restrictions

Aurora prohibits restaurants and retail food establishments from using expanded polystyrene foam takeout containers under Colorado HB21-1162, effective January 2024 with no exemption for small businesses.

View full Aurora rules β†’

Centennial, CO

Arapahoe County

Some Restrictions

Colorado prohibits retail food establishments from using expanded polystyrene foam containers for ready-to-eat food and beverages under the Plastic Pollution Reduction Act.

View full Centennial rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactAuroraCentennial
Effective dateJanuary 2024-
State lawHB21-1162-
Banned materialExpanded polystyrene-
Small biz exemptNo-
InspectorTri-County Health-
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Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Aurora FAQ

Can I still use foam cups for hot drinks?

No. Expanded polystyrene cups are banned for prepared food and beverage service. Aurora coffee shops must use paper, fiber, or recyclable plastic cups instead.

Are pre-packaged foam trays from manufacturers banned?

The ban targets retailer-served prepared food. Pre-packaged shelf goods like foam meat trays from suppliers are not directly covered, though stores are encouraged to phase out.

Centennial FAQ

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