Seattle banned expanded polystyrene foam food service containers under SMC 21.36.086 starting 2009-2010, becoming the first major US city to do so. All food packaging must be recyclable or compostable. Washington added a statewide ban in 2024.
Seattle's 2008 ordinance phased in a polystyrene foam ban: food service ware (cups, clamshells, trays) by 2009 and all foam food packaging by 2010, codified at SMC 21.36.086. The rule applies to restaurants, cafes, food trucks, grocery delis, hospitals, and any food vendor in Seattle. Replacement containers must be either compostable (per BPI/CMA standards) or recyclable in Seattle's curbside program. Washington passed RCW 70A.245 in 2021, with the foam food container ban taking effect June 2024 statewide. Foam coolers, packing peanuts (loose-fill), and foam meat trays were added in subsequent rounds. SPU verifies via inspections; violations begin with education and warnings.
Foam container in food service: warning, then $250 per day. Distributor selling to Seattle businesses: same. Repeat: license consequences for retail food permit holders.
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