As of January 1, 1990, restaurants, grocery stores and other retail vendors have been prohibited from using polystyrene foam (PSF) containers for prepared food. The ban also applies to vendors who renew a lease or initially lease city space and activities that require a city permit (including for use of parks).

Other uses of foam, such as packing materials, florist supplies and construction materials, are not regulated by the ordinance.

In taking action, the Council indicated its concern with the following impacts of polystyrene foam food packaging:

• Foam products are not biodegradable.
  
• Projections indicate significant growth in the use of this material, particularly in disposable food containers and wrappers.
  
• The nature of the material makes it a major contributor to litter.
  
• When littered, the material is detrimental to wildlife that ingests it.
  
• Paper products are biodegradable and can also be composted.
  
• Polystyrene production can be very damaging to the earth's ozone layer.
  
• Recycling of foam food containers is not practical.
  

The following may not be packaged in/on PSF:

• Bakery products baked, assembled, packaged or prepackaged in the store.
• Deli items dispensed from a larger container to a smaller container for the customer (e.g., salads, pasta).
• Deli items assembled in the store (e.g., sandwiches).
• Meats that have been cooked, smoked, sliced or otherwise prepared or served in the store (regardless of size of meat portion).
• Cheese sliced in the store.
• Fruits or vegetables washed, cooked, cut, squeezed or otherwise prepared in the store.
• Dried fruits and vegetables packaged in the store.
• Frozen yogurt or ice cream dispensed into containers for the customer at the store.
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks or other ready-to-drink beverages served at the store.
• Sample "tasting" foods prepared and served in the store.
• Salad or other "bar" foods where the customer serves him/herself.
  

The following may be packaged in/on PSF:

• Bakery goods that have been prepackaged outside of the store.
• Deli items that have been prepackaged outside of the store.
• Raw eggs.
• Ready to cook items (e.g., stuffed potatoes, chicken Kiev).
• Raw meat, including fish and seafood regardless of preparation in the store.
• Uncooked or instant foods.
• Fruits and vegetables that are delivered to the store already in the PSF package.
• Meats smoked, cooked or otherwise prepared and packaged outside of the store, not repackaged in the store.
• Unprepared fresh fruits and vegetables packaged in store for sale in units (e.g., box of mushrooms).
• Beverages packaged outside of the store (e.g., New York Seltzers).
  

For more information, please email wasteinfo@ci.portland.or.us or call 503-823-7037.

View the relevant City Code: Solid Waste & Recycling, 17.102