Illegal to use styrofoam containers in New Jersey households? Fact Check

Starting May 4, 2022, New Jersey retail stores, grocery stores and food service businesses may not provide or

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Polystyrene, more commonly known as styrofoam, is no longer permitted for food service use in New Jersey.

A “polystyrene foam food service product” is defined as a product made, in whole or in part, of polystyrene foam that is used for selling or providing a food or beverage, and includes but is not limited to a food container, plate, hot or cold beverage cup, meat or vegetable tray, cutlery, or egg carton.

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Any civil penalty imposed pursuant to this subsection may be collected with costs in a summary proceeding pursuant to the “Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999,” P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.), or may be collected in a civil action commenced by the division .

It would add Connecticut to the list of states that have enacted similar restrictions on Styrofoam takeout containers, including California, New York, New Jersey and Washington. Virginia is also phasing in a similar ban, which will apply to all food vendors statewide by July 2026, according to reports.

New Jersey is now leading the paradigm ... lobbyists throughout the legislative process. Despite claims to the contrary, these products are not recyclable on a mass scale in actual practice....