Minnesota Polystyrene Foam Restrictions and Local Bans

Minneapolis and Saint Paul have long banned expanded polystyrene foam food containers for prepared food, citing environmental and recycling concerns. After the legislature repealed Minn. Stat. 325E.045 preemption in 2023, more cities may follow. State law does not currently impose a uniform polystyrene ban, but solid waste management goals under Minn. Stat. chapter 115A encourage source reduction. Food vendors should verify local packaging requirements in each city of operation.

Distributing prohibited polystyrene foam containers can result in administrative fines and license actions under local food and packaging ordinances.