Illinois does not ban expanded polystyrene foodware statewide, but state procurement law restricts EPS use and home rule cities may impose local bans.
The Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500) and Public Act 102-0008, effective in 2021, generally restrict use of expanded polystyrene foam containers by state agencies and concessionaires on state property. There is no statewide ban on private retail sale or use of polystyrene foodware. Home rule municipalities such as Chicago, Oak Park, and Evanston have considered or adopted local restrictions. The Solid Waste Planning and Recycling Act (415 ILCS 15) encourages source reduction but does not mandate EPS phaseout for private businesses.
State agency violations are addressed administratively under the Procurement Code; local violations are enforced under municipal ordinance with civil penalties typically up to $500.
See how Edwardsville's polystyrene foam rules rules stack up against other locations.
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