Saint Paul prohibits food establishments from using polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) cups, plates, clamshells, and trays for prepared food and drinks. The city's ordinance predates state action and is enforced by DSI through licensing.
Saint Paul's polystyrene foam foodware ordinance, originally adopted in the early 1990s and updated since, bars licensed food establishments, including restaurants, food trucks, caterers, and convenience stores selling prepared foods, from packaging or serving prepared food in expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) containers. Acceptable alternatives include recyclable, compostable, or reusable foodware. The rule does not cover prepackaged foods that arrive at the retailer in EPS, such as raw meat trays, but does cover anything filled or served at point of sale. DSI verifies compliance during health and license inspections. The ordinance complements Minnesota's broader interest in reducing single-use plastics.
Using foam foodware in covered transactions can result in license violations, warning letters, and fines under the city's business licensing chapter, with escalating penalties for repeat offenses.
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