SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois restaurants and other businesses may have to say goodbye to styrofoam cups.
Last week, the fight against plastic waste moved forward in the Senate committee, which aims to ban Styrofoam and single-use bags.
Environmental groups celebrated what they call a milestone in reducing pollution; however, companies and businesses raised concerns over the potential job losses it could bring.
The Coalition for Plastic Reduction joined other advocates to support a bill filed by Sen. Laura Fine (D-Glenview). The bill passed the Senate committee and aims to ban manufacturing companies from making and selling containers made with polystyrene foam in the state starting in 2030. These products include Styrofoam to-go boxes, cups, and plates.
Fine said taking steps to ban Styrofoam is an urgent matter as it poses a danger to nature and all people.
"Polystyrene, especially in the form of Styrofoam, poses significant environmental problems," Fine stated. "It decomposes slowly and has a tendency to fragment into microplastics. Also, styrene can leach into the environment, harming wildlife and water sources. It has also been identified as a human carcinogen and can leak into food and drinks."
According to advocacy groups, 22 million pounds of plastic waste enter the Great Lakes, and the majority are from Styrofoam, which can remain in the water for a long time. Environment Illinois Outreach and Engagement Director Emily Kowalski said this shouldn’t be the case.
"Far too much of that is from single-use items that we don’t need,” Kowalski said. “Nothing we use for just a few minutes should be allowed to pollute our water and environment for hundreds of years."
Many manufacturers fear this bill could have a ripple effect on jobs. The bill doesn’t have incentives in place to help through the transition. Sen. Fine said that since there is still time before the implementation, manufacturers can prepare by using alternative products. Manufacturers like Dart Container Corporation said banning foam containers will only drive prices up.
During the hearing, the governmental affairs director for the company, AnnMarie Treglia, said the ban will also affect smaller groups that used it the most.
"For restaurants that use foam, they will be forced to spend more on alternative products. Charities also use foam," Treglia said. "Restaurants may not hire additional workers in order to save money, given the alternative products are more expensive. Manufacturing jobs may also be negatively impacted."
The bill now goes to the Senate floor for a full vote. If passed, companies will have five years to transition to an alternative product before the deadline. However, they can still make Styrofoam containers to be exported outside of Illinois. Any first-time violation will receive a warning, followed by a fine.
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March 26, 2025 at 03:43PM
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