SPRINGFIELD – To further mitigate the harmful environmental impact and potential health risks from disposable food packaging, State Senator Laura Fine is leading a measure to prohibit the sale or distribution of food containers containing polystyrene foam, commonly known as Styrofoam.

“When you take food to go, you may dispose of the containers in several minutes. However, if the disposable container is made of polystyrene, it can remain in our environment for many years. Styrene food packaging contains harmful chemicals that can leach into food, especially if the food is hot or acidic,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Polystyrene food containers do not break down naturally in the environment, and pieces of these containers are often found in our waterways and aquatic life.”

In 2023, Fine passed the Degradable Plastic Act to ban state agencies and universities from purchasing or using polystyrene by Jan. 1, 2025. Building on these efforts, Senate Bill 1531 would prohibit the sale or distribution of polystyrene foam food containers across Illinois starting Jan. 1, 2030.

Polystyrene foam contains styrene, a chemical that has been classified as a carcinogen and is linked to vision and hearing loss, poor memory and concentration, cancer, as well as nervous system damage.

“Pollution from polystyrene food containers is one of the leading forms of litter in beach cleanups across Lake Michigan,” said Fine. “I look forward to moving Illinois closer to our clean water and environmental safety goals.”

Senate Bill 1531 passed the Senate on Wednesday.

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