San Antonio Single-Use Items: Polystyrene Foam Rules Rules (2026)

Unlike Austin or several California cities, San Antonio does not prohibit expanded polystyrene (commonly called Styrofoam) food service ware. The same Texas Health & Safety Code preemption that voided plastic-bag bans, confirmed by the Texas Supreme Court 2018 Laredo decision, blocks municipal foam container restrictions. San Antonio restaurants on the River Walk, food trucks, schools, and retailers continue to use foam clamshells, cups, and trays. The SA Climate Action and Adaptation Plan encourages voluntary reduction of single-use plastics, and city facilities have phased out foam in some procurement contracts, but no resident- or business-facing ban applies citywide.