Single-Use Plastics and Polystyrene Foam Packaging

On May 15, 2023, the Village of Oak Park Board of Trustees voted to concur with the recommendation made by the Environment and Energy Commission to Adopt an Ordinance Amending Chapter 20 ("Public Health") of the Oak Park Village Code to Add a New Article 8 ("Single-Use Plastic Ordinance and Polystyrene Food Packaging").

Click here for the Oak Park Green Business Program's Disposable Foodware Purchasing Guide

Single-Use Plastic Foodware

Beginning June 1, 2023, food establishments may only provide single-use plastic foodware upon request from the customer or at a self-service station, in connection with any delivery or take-out order of food or beverage. Single-use plastic foodware is defined as any plastic eating utensil or other item to be used as part of food or beverage service that is designed and intended by the manufacturer for only one usage before being discarded.

Food establishments are required to display signage regarding single-use plastic foodware and provide options for customers to affirmatively request single-use plastic foodware when ordering for delivery or take-out. A sample sign is below and can also be downloaded on the this page.

There are seven exceptions in which single-use plastic foodware is allowed:

1. Single-use plastic foodware necessary to address safety concerns (i.e. lids, drink stoppers, beverage trays and cup sleeves for beverages served at average temperature greater than 170 degrees Farenheit);
2. Drinking straws;
3. An automatic food vending machine;
4. Single-use plastic foodware that is prepackaged with or attached to any food or beverage products by the manufacturer prior to receipt by the food dispensing establishment;
5. Any not-for-profit corporation;
6. A federal, state or local governmental agency that provides food to needy individuals at no or nominal charge; and
7. Supplies and services provided in response to a public health or other emergency that is declared by a governmental body with jurisdiction in the Village.

Click here for the Oak Park Green Business Program Disposable Foodware Purchasing Guide.

Polystyrene Foam Packaging

Beginning January 1, 2024, food establishments may not sell or distribute a disposable food service container composed in part or in whole of polystyrene foam packaging. Food establishments with an annual gross income under $500,000 per location shall comply on or after January 1, 2025. A disposable food service container includes, but is not limited to, serviceware for take-out foods, bakery products, and leftovers from partially-consumed meals. It does not include polystyrene foam coolers or ice chests used for processing or shipping of seafood or serviceware that is used to contain, transport, or otherwise package raw, uncooked, or butchered meat, poultry, fish or seafood.

There are four additional exceptions in which polystyrene foam packaging is allowed:

1. Supplies and services provided in response to a public health or other emergency that is declared by a governmental body with jurisdiction in the Village.
2. Any polystyrene foam that is prepackaged with or attached to any food or beverage products by the manufacturer prior to receipt by the food dispensing establishment;
3. Any not-for-profit corporation; or
4. A federal, state or local governmental agency that provides food to needy individuals at no or nominal charge.

Click here for the Oak Park Green Business Program Disposable Foodware Purchasing Guide.

The Illinois Green Business Program (IGBP) offers a no-cost help line to support Oak Park businesses with cost-saving and affordable sustainable business practices. Businesses can also receive a professional green business assessment and customized green business plan. Please call 800-214-7954 to talk to an IGBP team member.