Во Вирджинии вступил в силу расширенный запрет на использование стиропора для упаковки еды

All Virginia food vendors must ditch Styrofoam under expanded state ban RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Phase two of Virginia’s statewide ban for Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), commonly known as Styrofoam, is now in effect. It requires all food vendors — including restaurants, grocery stores and food trucks — to stop using the material for food containers. The first phase applied only to large food vendors with 20 or more locations. The expanded ban means smaller operations must now also find alternative materials. Connor Eppley of Virginia Interfaith Power & Light said the ban addresses concerns about Styrofoam’s effects on human health, animals and the planet. “This really is a step in the right direction to not only protect our health but to protect the environment that we all share,” Eppley said. He added that a single Styrofoam container can take several hundred years to break down in a landfill. At the Birdhouse Farmers Market in Richmond’s Randolph neighborhood, five vendors were asked about their container use. None were using Styrofoam. Nina Phiwondee of Elephant Thai Restaurant said her business has been using paper containers for roughly five years. “In the past we used Styrofoam because it’s cheaper, but then we feel like we want to save the world, and this is good for the consumer as well because the Styrofoam might have some chemicals from there,” Phiwondee said. Other vendors at the market are using materials including paper and bamboo. Richmond’s Office of Sustainability said it plans to visit businesses to provide clarity on the new requirements. “Just help our friends feel like ‘hey, we understand there will be some changes and challenges to kind of get rid of what you already have, but also to provide some guidance with friends who are either trying to do the right things but also find what alternatives fit them the best,’” said Michael Smart of the Richmond Office of Sustainability. The city is offering a one-year exemption for businesses that face financial hardship in making the transition. Smart said businesses can submit an exemption form available on the city’s website to request additional time. Pretty soon though, all food vendors will need to comply with the rules. Businesses that do not comply face fines of up to $50 per day. Copyright 2026 WWBT. All rights reserved.