(WIFR) – A staple in the restaurant industry could be “to-go” for good. A Senate Bill banning Styrofoam food containers is up for debate in the state house.
Senate Bill 1531 would prohibit the sale or distribution of food containers containing Polystyrene Foam or Styrofoam. On April 30, SB 1531 passed through the senate and made it’s way to the house. Friday, the final action deadline was extended to May 31 because of bi-partisan opposition.
Two years ago, a law went into effect banning state agencies and universities from purchasing or using Styrofoam. This legislation looks to take that idea a step further.
Yes, Styrofoam is a take-out staple, but environmental experts warn its widespread use is now seriously impacting the environment.
“The Winnebago County landfill is the largest in the state, by a lot. If we’re going to preserve our landfill and stretch it out for as long as possible, we need to reduce the waste that we put into that landfill,” said Brad Roos, Sustain Rockford president
According to experts, Styrofoam can take up to 500 years to decompose.
“When that landfill is full, our cost for waste pick up is going to be way higher because it’s going to have to go be trucked somewhere far away,” said Roos.
State senator Steve Stadelman said the bill is an attempt to clean up our environment.
“You see these containers in clean-ups across the state in waterways, in lakes, and beaches across Lake Michigan. They don’t degrade naturally,” said Stadelman.
State Senator Dave Syverson says it is a feel good bill.
“It impacts jobs, it impacts the cost of food, it affects restaurants,” said Syverson.
Syverson emphasized those who support the bill do not realize the economic impact, explaining there’s opposition from the Restaurant Association, Illinois Manufactures, and the Licensed Beverage Association.
“It just doesn’t make sense. We’re going to allow this product to be used for shipping food, and for shipping medicine, and for going fishing. So, we can use it for that, but you just can’t use it for a carry-out,” said Syverson.
If the bill passes the house, it will head to the desk of Governor JB Pritzker. The law would not take effect until January 1, 2030.
As of this year, only 11 states have passed bans on Styrofoam food containers.
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