Connecticut Statewide Rule
Connecticut Bans Polystyrene Food Containers at Restaurants
Key Facts
- Foam ban effective
- July 1, 2024
- Who is covered
- Restaurants and caterers
- Exemptions
- Pre-sealed containers; raw meat trays
- Enforcement
- Local and state health authorities
- Escalating fines
- Warning, then $200 / $500 / $1,000
Summary
Since July 1, 2024, Connecticut prohibits restaurants and caterers from providing single-use expanded polystyrene (foam) food and beverage containers. Enforcement is by state and local health authorities, with escalating fines after a first-offense warning.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, no municipality may prohibit the sale or use of polystyrene packaging products by any vendor, commercial or retail user of polystyrene if the vendors or retail users of such products demonstrate to an official designated by the chief executive officer of the municipality that such vendors or users are actively engaged in a comprehensive effort to recycle the polystyrene packaging materials which it generates. Such recycling effort shall include ongoing collection and delivery of such packaging materials to an established recycling facility.
Full Breakdown
Under a 2022 Connecticut law effective July 1, 2024, restaurants and catering businesses may not provide or distribute single-use expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) food and beverage containers to customers. Containers pre-filled and sealed before the restaurant receives them, and containers used to hold raw meat, are exempt. Connecticut public schools and colleges also had to phase out polystyrene food trays. Enforcement falls to local health departments and the state Departments of Public Health, Consumer Protection, and Energy and Environmental Protection. Municipalities may adopt broader foam restrictions under home-rule authority.
Violations & Penalties
A restaurant or caterer that violates the foam ban receives a warning for a first offense, then fines of $200, $500, and $1,000 for subsequent violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can restaurants use foam containers in Connecticut?
Are foam containers banned everywhere?
Sources
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