Ban of Use, Sale of Foam Food Containers Goes Into Effect in January

The ban on the use and sale of polystyrene foam food containers goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2022.

This new ordinance was signed into law by Mayor Derek SK Kawakami on Sept. 15, 2020, after it was introduced and passed by the Kauaʻi County Council.

“Mahalo to Councilmembers Mason Chock and KipuKai Kuali‘i for introducing Bill No. 2775 and for the Kaua‘i County Council for passing it last September,” Kawakami stated. “Restricting these types of containers will further public health, encourage the use of environmentally safe products, and lessen waste on our island.”

Mayor Kawakami signed Bill No. 2775 into oridnance on Sept. 15, 2020.

The Administrative Rules associated with the ordinance, restricting the use and sale of polystyrene foam food containers, were finalized on Oct. 6, 2021. Highlights of the ordinance include the following:

• Food providers shall not sell, use, provide, or offer polystyrene foam foodservice containers.
• Polystyrene foam service containers shall not be offered for sale or sold in the County.
• “Food provider” means any entity or person providing prepared food for consumption.
• “Foodservice container” means all plates, trays, cups, bowls, cartons, and hinged or lidded containers (clamshells) on or in which any foods or beverages are placed or packaged or intended to be placed or packaged and designed for one-time use.
• “Polystyrene foam” means blown polystyrene and expanded and extruded foams.

All affected businesses are encouraged to review the ordinance and applicable rules on the County’s website at https://www.kauai.gov/polystyreneban. Vendors should contact the Public Works Solid Waste Office now if there are any questions. Exemptions are limited and only available to qualified businesses.

Call 808-241-4195 or email [email protected] for more information.