Polystyrene Foam Rules: Lakewood vs Tacoma
How do polystyrene foam rules rules compare between Lakewood, WA and Tacoma, WA?
Lakewood has fewer restrictions than Tacoma.
Lakewood, WA
Pierce County
Washington RCW 70A.245 bans expanded polystyrene foam food service containers, packing peanuts, and coolers in phases starting June 2024 to combat plastic pollution.
View full Lakewood rules →Tacoma, WA
Pierce County
Tacoma food-service businesses cannot sell or distribute expanded polystyrene foam foodware, packing peanuts, or coolers under RCW 70A.245. The statewide ban took effect in 2024, replacing prior local foam restrictions.
View full Tacoma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lakewood | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Statute | - | RCW 70A.245 |
| Foodware ban date | - | June 1, 2024 |
| Peanut ban date | - | June 1, 2023 |
| Cooler ban | - | Included in foodware |
| Enforcement agency | - | WA Dept of Ecology |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lakewood FAQ
Are foam takeout containers banned in Washington?
Yes, RCW 70A.245 prohibits EPS foam clamshells, plates, cups, and bowls for prepared food effective June 1, 2024.
Are foam coolers still legal in Washington?
No, the sale and distribution of EPS foam coolers became prohibited under RCW 70A.245 effective June 1, 2024.
Tacoma FAQ
Can a Tacoma deli use foam clamshells from old stock?
No. The statewide ban applies to sale and distribution of EPS foodware regardless of when it was purchased. Old stock must be returned, repurposed, or recycled.
Are EPS meat trays from grocers banned?
Raw-meat trays packaged by the food producer are generally exempt under the statute, but cooked or ready-to-eat foam containers given at retail are prohibited.
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