Washington Becomes The First State to Ban Foam Plastic Coolers

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed Senate Bill 5022 into law. The new law restricts the use of single-use plastics across the state. The law was introduced by Sen. Mona Das.

The new law bans the manufacture, sale and distribution of certain expanded polystyrene products, including packing peanuts, foam plastic coolers and foodware. Also dining establishments must offer single-use plastic utensils, straws, cold-beverage cup lids and condiment packaging to customers only upon request. In addition, the law specifies post-consumer recycled-content standards for plastic beverage bottles, personal care products, home cleaning products and trash bags.

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With this, Washington has become the first state on the West Coast to ban polystyrene foam food containers. It has also become the first state in the entire country to ban foam plastic coolers.

The passage of the bill demonstrates Washington’s leadership in the fight against the growing plastic crisis. The residents of the State will now be able to skip much of the unnecessary single-use plastic that accompanies their meals. The bill aims to stop plastic pollution at the source.