Lubbock does not restrict expanded polystyrene foam takeout containers, cups, or coolers. The same Laredo Merchants preemption that blocks bag bans also makes a city foam ban legally untenable in Texas.
Many Texas cities considered polystyrene takeout container bans in the 2010s but most paused or repealed them after the 2018 Texas Supreme Court ruling. HSC §361.0961 reaches any local rule restricting use of a container or package for solid waste reasons, which courts have read to cover foam clamshells. Lubbock restaurants from the South Plains Mall food court to local barbecue joints freely use foam clamshells, foam cups, and foam ice chests. The city has not enacted any procurement preference shifting its own facilities away from foam either, leaving the matter entirely to operator choice.
There is no local foam offense. Disposal in regular trash and littering rules apply, but possession or sale of foam packaging is fully legal.
Lubbock, TX
Lubbock recycling is voluntary drop-off only. The city does not provide curbside recycling. Residents may take accepted materials to the Citizens Convenience...
Lubbock, TX
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See how Lubbock's polystyrene foam rules rules stack up against other locations.
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