The Virginia General Assembly passed legislation in 2021 that will ban the use of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) by food vendors. The legislation also discourages the sale and use of EPS products and the encourages the promotion of alternatives to EPS.
Currently, the ban is to take effect in two phases. By July 1, 2025, food establishments with 20 or more locations must stop using EPS containers. By July 1, 2026, remaining food establishments must comply.
The ban applies to any food vendors that serve prepared food, including restaurants, cafeterias, food trucks, catering companies, and grocery store salad bars.
For anyone who is currently using EPS products in any industry, the legislation encourages the use of alternative materials.
Additional resources: