Chicago has no citywide ban on expanded polystyrene foam food containers as of 2026. Specific rules cover Park District facilities, McCormick Place, and city-purchased food service. Restaurants and stores may otherwise still use foam clamshells and cups.
Unlike New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, Chicago has not adopted a general ordinance banning expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam food service ware. Food retailers, grocers, and restaurants citywide may still distribute foam cups, clamshells, plates, and trays. However, several proxies exist: the Chicago Park District prohibits EPS at park concessions and events, McCormick Place and Navy Pier have phased out foam, and Chicago's sustainable-procurement policy bars city departments and contractors from purchasing EPS products. Aldermanic proposals for a citywide ban have circulated since 2018 but not passed. Illinois Public Act 102-0492 (2021) banned EPS purchases by state agencies but does not preempt or require local rules.
No citywide ordinance imposes fines on foam container use in Chicago. Park District concessionaires breaching facility rules face contract penalties, and city contractors using EPS risk procurement-policy enforcement.
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See how Chicago's polystyrene foam rules rules stack up against other locations.
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