North Carolina has no statewide ban on polystyrene foam food containers and does not authorize local governments to ban expanded polystyrene packaging or food service ware.
Unlike several states that have phased out expanded polystyrene foam food containers, North Carolina law does not restrict the manufacture, sale, or use of polystyrene cups, clamshells, or trays. Local jurisdictions lack express authority to ban polystyrene products, making any local effort subject to preemption arguments. Solid waste disposal of polystyrene is governed by general NC Department of Environmental Quality rules under NCGS Chapter 130A, but there are no product-level bans. Some cities encourage voluntary reduction through purchasing policies.
No state-specific penalties exist for polystyrene container use; general solid waste violations carry standard NCDEQ enforcement.
Cary, NC
Cary regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound permits available for events. N.C.G.S. §14-288.4 applies to unreasonable disturbances.
Cary, NC
Cary Code of Ordinances Chapter 22, Division 2 prohibits unreasonably loud, disturbing noises that annoy, disturb, or endanger citizens. The ordinance restri...
Cary, NC
Cary regulates construction noise through its general noise ordinance (Chapter 22). Construction activity near residential areas should be confined to reason...
Cary, NC
Cary's noise ordinance covers barking dogs under the general prohibition on disturbing noises. Persistently barking dogs that disturb neighbors may result in...
Cary, NC
Cary's Land Development Ordinance restricts parking of RVs, boats, and trailers in residential areas. These vehicles typically must be stored in rear or side...
Cary, NC
Cary restricts parking of commercial vehicles in residential zones. Large commercial vehicles, semi-trucks, and heavy equipment may not be stored in resident...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Wake County.
See how Cary's polystyrene foam rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.