Pennsylvania has no statewide ban on expanded polystyrene foam food containers, and after Act 87 of 2024 ended single-use plastic preemption local governments may regulate foam packaging.
Pennsylvania has not adopted a statewide prohibition on expanded polystyrene foam (commonly called Styrofoam) food service containers, coolers, or packing materials. During the 2020 to 2024 single-use plastic preemption window, municipalities were limited in restricting many plastic items including foam. With Act 87 of 2024 allowing that preemption to lapse, cities and townships may now consider polystyrene bans or restrictions on food vendors. As of early 2026, Philadelphia's polystyrene container ban applies to food-service businesses, and other Pennsylvania municipalities are evaluating similar measures. State agencies and contractors must follow procurement rules but no statewide consumer ban exists.
Local foam container ordinances are enforced by municipal code enforcement with fines per the local code; no state penalty applies.
See how Williamsport's polystyrene foam rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.