District of Columbia Statewide Rule

District of Columbia Foam Food Container Ban

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across District of Columbia (2026)

Key Facts

Governing law: D.C. Code § 8–1532
Food-service ban since: January 1, 2016
Retail sale ban since: January 1, 2021
Enforcing agency: DOEE
Covered products: Foam cups, trays, containers

Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Washington DC bans expanded polystyrene (foam) food service products outright. No restaurant, cafe, or food vendor may sell or provide food in foam containers, and since 2021 retailers cannot sell foam ware, coolers, or packing peanuts.

(a)(1) By January 1, 2016, no food service entity shall sell or provide food in expanded polystyrene food service products, regardless of where the food will be consumed. (2) By January 1, 2021, no retailer shall sell or offer for sale an expanded polystyrene food service product, expanded polystyrene container, or expanded polystyrene packing material.

View official code

Full Breakdown

D.C. Official Code § 8–1532 flatly prohibits foam food service ware. Since January 1, 2016, no food service entity may sell or provide food in expanded polystyrene products regardless of where it is eaten. Since January 1, 2021, no retailer may sell foam food containers, foam coolers and ice chests, or foam packing peanuts. The ban reaches plates, cups, clamshells, meat trays, and egg cartons made of foam. The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) enforces it, issuing warning letters and fines to noncompliant businesses. Narrow carve-outs cover pre-sealed foam packaging and raw meat, fish, and poultry trays for off-premises use.

Violations & Penalties

DOEE enforces the ban, issuing written warnings followed by monetary fines to food service entities and retailers that continue selling or providing foam food service products in the District.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can DC restaurants use Styrofoam takeout boxes?

No. Since January 1, 2016, no DC food service entity may sell or provide food in expanded polystyrene (foam) products, regardless of where the food is eaten.

Are foam coolers and packing peanuts banned too?

Yes. Since January 1, 2021, no DC retailer may sell foam food service products, foam containers such as coolers and ice chests, or foam packing material.

Are there any exemptions?

Yes. The ban does not apply to food pre-filled and sealed in foam before the entity received it, or to foam packaging for raw, uncooked meat, fish, poultry, or seafood.

Sources

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