Styrofoam containers are about to disappear in Washington

The next phase for Washington state's ban on Styrofoam is about to kick in, putting an end to an era of squeaky to-go containers used by restaurants and other businesses.

Yep. No longer shall five to-go clamshell containers be stacked on top of each other, their weight inevitably cracking the bottom two causing them to leak teriyaki sauce all over the bag and the back seat of your car. Nobody likes cleaning that up.

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It's not just those clamshell containers used for food. The statewide ban is also for the sale or distribution of Styrofoam coolers, plates, cups, bowls, and similar items. The ban officially begins Saturday, June 1.

Styrofoam offenders (styrofenders?) could face fines ranging from $250 to $1,000, after one or more violations.

Styrofoam is actually the brand name for "polystyrene foam," which Washington state lawmakers banned 2021. It's part of the same suite of laws that banned plastic bags, and made it so the customer has to specifically ask for single-use utensils when ordering food.

The polystyrene plan has been to do away with these materials in two phases. The first phase began in June 2023, when the state nixed packing peanuts and similar packing materials.

The state notes that most recycling programs do not accept polystyrene foam. The ban aims to prevent these materials from polluting the environment.

Note: Technically, the brand Styrofoam is not used to make common containers like cups, plates, or clamshells. It's also polystyrene, but it's a different type made by Dupont that is used for insulation. Sorry, Dupont. You did a little too well with your marketing. Honestly, when was the last time you were at a barbecue and said to someone: "Hey, put a hot dog on my white EPS foam disc ... no, not that closed cell extruded polystyrene plate! Get real! Plates are made from EPS!"