Colorado Styrofoam Container Ban in Affect Jan 1: What It Means

Times are changing. Every new year means new laws will start to go into effect. There have been quite a few laws passed that will start in Colorado in the new year.

For example, there will be a single-use plastic bag ban. Electric lawn equipment will now be required in the summer of 2025.

It is important to stay up-to-date on these new laws.

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There is a new law that will begin on Jan. 1 that has many restaurant businesses scrambling and altering how they operate.

Styrofoam Containers Banned in Colorado

Back in 2021, Colorado passed the Colorado House Bill 21-1162. In addition to the single-use plastic bag ban, the state of Colorado has also eliminated the use of styrofoam containers.

Many restaurants use styrofoam containers due to ease of use. I assumed that styrofoam containers were cheaper, but I discovered that restaurants would save money.

A 200-pack of styrofoam containers is $34 compared to a 150-pack of the popular ecopax container.

Yes, there is a price difference, but it is very small and most businesses will be able to make due.

Colorado Restaurants Could Receive Fines

CBS says that businesses will receive fines if they are caught using styrofoam containers after their inventory runs out. That means that businesses can purchase styrofoam containers through December 31. When January 1 comes around, they will no longer be able to legally purchase styrofoam containers.

Violations include $500 for a second violation and up to $1,000 for a third violation.

Why Styrofoam Containers Are Being Banned in Colorado

They are being banned due to being bad for the environment. Styrofoam is also non-biodegradable and can harm the health of the people who make it, and even some of the consumers.