SPRINGFIELD – Addressing the detrimental, long-term environmental impact from disposable food packaging, State Senator Laura Fine presented legislation at a climate rally on Wednesday to phase out harmful polystyrene food containers.

“Commonly, people will take home their restaurant leftovers or to-go orders in polystyrene foam food containers – completely unaware of their hazardous capabilities,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Throwing away the container or using it to store food is often brief, but its impact can last a lifetime by compromising our health and our environment.”

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.

“While many people recycle products, polystyrene is not biodegradable and the microplastic remnants persist in the environment for centuries. Even incinerating the containers can release pollutants into the air, causing respiratory problems,” said Fine. “We have the opportunity now to improve our air quality, climate pollution, and waterways before the situation worsens.”

 Senate Bill 1531 awaits further action in the House.