Minnesota does not impose a statewide polystyrene ban, but with auxiliary container preemption repealed, cities like Minneapolis and Saint Paul restrict expanded polystyrene foam food packaging.
Minneapolis and Saint Paul have long banned expanded polystyrene foam food containers for prepared food, citing environmental and recycling concerns. After the legislature repealed Minn. Stat. 325E.045 preemption in 2023, more cities may follow. State law does not currently impose a uniform polystyrene ban, but solid waste management goals under Minn. Stat. chapter 115A encourage source reduction. Food vendors should verify local packaging requirements in each city of operation.
Distributing prohibited polystyrene foam containers can result in administrative fines and license actions under local food and packaging ordinances.
See how Buffalo's polystyrene foam rules rules stack up against other locations.
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