Virginia Code Section 10.1-1424.4 phases out expanded polystyrene foam food service containers; Richmond restaurants and food trucks must comply with the statewide deadline schedule based on chain size.
Virginia Code Section 10.1-1424.4 prohibits food vendors from using expanded polystyrene foam containers on a phased timeline. Chains with 20 or more locations had earlier deadlines, with the broadest ban applying to all food vendors by 2025. The law preempts more aggressive local bans but allows Richmond to enforce through its business-licensing and health permitting framework. Vendors must switch to compostable, recyclable or reusable alternatives. Hospital cafeterias, school nutrition programs and pre-packaged shelf items have limited exemptions, and economic-hardship waivers can be requested through the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
Continued use of polystyrene foam food containers after the applicable Virginia deadline can result in DEQ civil penalties and Richmond business-license action.
See how Richmond's polystyrene foam rules rules stack up against other locations.
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