Pennsylvania has no statewide ban on expanded polystyrene foam food containers, and after Act 87 of 2024 ended single-use plastic preemption local governments may regulate foam packaging.
Pennsylvania has not adopted a statewide prohibition on expanded polystyrene foam (commonly called Styrofoam) food service containers, coolers, or packing materials. During the 2020 to 2024 single-use plastic preemption window, municipalities were limited in restricting many plastic items including foam. With Act 87 of 2024 allowing that preemption to lapse, cities and townships may now consider polystyrene bans or restrictions on food vendors. As of early 2026, Philadelphia's polystyrene container ban applies to food-service businesses, and other Pennsylvania municipalities are evaluating similar measures. State agencies and contractors must follow procurement rules but no statewide consumer ban exists.
Local foam container ordinances are enforced by municipal code enforcement with fines per the local code; no state penalty applies.
Lancaster, PA
The City of Lancaster prohibits loud, disturbing, or unnecessary noise across the city, with stricter standards during nighttime quiet hours of 10:00 PM to 7...
Lancaster, PA
Lancaster regulates on-street parking through Chapter 263 of the City Code and the Lancaster Parking Authority. Most downtown blocks are metered or permit-on...
Lancaster, PA
Lancaster's Zoning Code caps residential fences at 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards, with extra rules in the city's designated Heritag...
Lancaster, PA
Lancaster requires dogs to be leashed and under control of their owner whenever off the owner's property. Chapter 97 of the City Code works in tandem with th...
Lancaster, PA
Pennsylvania Act 43 of 2017 (72 P.S. §9401) legalized consumer-grade (1.4G) fireworks statewide for adults 18+, but Lancaster's dense rowhouse fabric makes d...
Lancaster, PA
Lancaster requires property owners to keep grass and weeds under 10 inches in height on all residential and commercial lots. Chapter 235 (Property Maintenanc...
See how Lancaster's polystyrene foam rules rules stack up against other locations.
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