Polystyrene Foam Rules: Gresham vs Portland
How do polystyrene foam rules rules compare between Gresham, OR and Portland, OR?
Gresham has fewer restrictions than Portland.
Gresham, OR
Multnomah County
SB 543 prohibits restaurants and food vendors from using polystyrene foam containers and bans the sale of polystyrene foam packing peanuts statewide.
View full Gresham rules →Portland, OR
Multnomah County
Portland banned polystyrene (PSF) foam food and beverage containers in 1990 under what is now PCC Chapter 17.103, one of the earliest bans in the United States. Oregon Senate Bill 543 (2023) layered a statewide ban on polystyrene foam foodware AND intentionally added PFAS in foodware containers, effective January 1, 2025. Both apply in Portland; the stricter standard controls.
View full Portland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Gresham | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Portland Ban Date | - | January 1990 (earliest in OR) |
| City Code | - | PCC Chapter 17.103 |
| Statewide Law | - | Oregon SB 543 (2023) |
| State Effective | - | January 1, 2025 |
| Also Bans | - | Intentionally added PFAS in foodware |
| State Penalty | - | $100-$500 per day per violation |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Gresham FAQ
Are polystyrene meat trays banned?
Raw uncooked meat trays receive a limited exemption under SB 543.
Does the law cover takeout cups?
Yes. Foam cups, bowls, and clamshells from food service businesses are prohibited.
Portland FAQ
Are Styrofoam coffee cups banned in Portland?
Yes. Portland banned polystyrene foam food and beverage containers in 1990 (now PCC 17.103.110), and Oregon SB 543 made the prohibition statewide effective January 1, 2025. No Portland restaurant or food vendor may serve prepared food or drink in PSF containers.
What about Styrofoam packing peanuts and coolers?
Oregon SB 543 also banned the sale and distribution of polystyrene foam loose-fill packing material ('packing peanuts') statewide as of January 1, 2025. Polystyrene foam coolers and shipping containers for non-prepared food (like commercial fish or pharmaceutical shippers) remain exempt.
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