Folks in Virginia are celebrating a victory that's been a long time coming. Starting July 1, 2025, the state will officially ban the use of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam food containers, thanks to years of advocacy led by Surfrider Foundation’s Virginia Chapter and statewide environmental partners.
Signed into law by Governor Ralph Northam in 2021, House Bill 1902 bans the use of EPS foam cups and takeout containers, including the familiar “clamshell” style boxes, which are widespread in the food service industry but disastrous for the environment. The bill gave small businesses five years to adapt and find cost-effective, safer alternatives - a window designed to accommodate financial and pandemic-related challenges.
Polystyrene is a problematic material: it’s lightweight, breaks into tiny pieces, and is nearly impossible to recycle. It’s consistently among the top items found at beach cleanups, where it threatens marine life and contributes to the broader plastic pollution crisis. Beyond its environmental harm, EPS foam poses health risks as well. When in contact with warm food or drinks, acidic substances, oils, or alcohol, it can leach toxic styrene, a known carcinogen, into the food we consume.
The Virginia Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation helped move this legislation forward by engaging supporters across the state, testifying at key hearings, and rallying with partners like the Virginia Conservation Network, Environment Virginia, and Lynnhaven River NOW. Their efforts helped ensure that community voices were heard and that lawmakers understood the urgent need for this change.
This ban marks a major victory for clean water, healthy communities, and a more sustainable future in Virginia. Surfrider Foundation continues to advocate for plastic reduction policies nationwide, and thanks to local organizing, Virginia is now part of the growing movement to break free from plastic.
