Oregon SB 543 (2021, ORS 459A.876) bans expanded polystyrene foam food containers, cups, packing peanuts, and coolers statewide effective January 1, 2025. Portland had banned foam takeout in 1990 (PCC 17.103); the state rule is now baseline.
SB 543 prohibits the sale or distribution of polystyrene foam food service containers, cups, plates, bowls, trays, and clamshells. Loose-fill packing peanuts and foam coolers used for shipping perishables are also banned. Allowed alternatives include molded fiber, PLA-coated paper, polypropylene, or aluminum. Portland was the first US city to ban foam takeout in 1990; the state law captured remaining gaps such as packing materials and grocery meat trays. DEQ enforces with warning letters first, then fines. Food trucks, school cafeterias, and hospitals all comply. Limited exemptions cover raw seafood and meat in retail packaging where alternatives are not yet feasible.
Distributing foam takeout containers, foam packing peanuts, or foam coolers after January 2025 violates ORS 459A.876, with DEQ civil penalties up to twenty-five thousand dollars per violation and ongoing daily fines.
See how Portland's polystyrene foam rules rules stack up against other locations.
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