Styrofoam Ban in Oregon

In this article, Willow will explain the reasoning behind Senate Bill 543 which, in 2025, took action against styrofoam in Oregon.

Why is styrofoam now banned in Oregon?

By Willow Ransom

On Jan. 1, 2025, the mass use of styrofoam in Oregon stopped, as a new law--Senate Bill 543-- was finally activated by the state. This law bans any use of styrofoam for food containers in Oregon. As a result, restaurants and fast food chains were forced to make a costly switch to plastic and paper, while others still continue to use their bulk amount of styrofoam containers. A punishment for breaking said law demands $100-$500 a day. Although it may seem sudden, Oregon is now the ninth US state to deny the use of styrofoam-- along with Colorado, Maine, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Virginia, and the city of Washington D.C-- due to the toxic and non-biodegradable traits of the polystyrene foam.

Credits: Beyond Plastic

Styrofoam was first introduced to consumers in 1954, and the first commercial item was a cooler in 1957. However, due to the slow start of items being made with the expanded polystyrene, the popularity rose steadily by corporations who sought a higher profit margin and appreciated the idea of a cheaper alternative to plastic that was beneficial for insulating temperatures. However, because of its slow start, it was often ignored by health inspectors and willingly neglected corporations, growing worries from the 1980s until, finally, the National Toxicological Program introduced a report in 2014, stating a huge probability that the foam is carcinogenic.

SB 543 was first introduced in 2022, later to be taken into action in 2025. A similar bill in Oregon-- House Bill 2883-- was introduced in 2019 due to the newfound knowledge of the chemicals styrofoam contains. Unfortunately, the voting process resulted in a close tie of 15-14. The bill was not passed, despite the undoubted relation to cancer and its toxic biodegradable process, according to both Environmental America and Beyond Plastics. After years, however, environmental organizations spoke out until their wishes were answered, resulting in a passed bill.

While the idea was once majorly disagreed upon, the dangers of styrofoam and the toxicity of styrene/benzene appeared too many times. Styrofoam is not only a large pollutant in the world, but it is also not accepted by curbside recycling programs and does not break down in an environment. If in small, difficult-to-pick-up pieces, styrofoam can last for centuries. As for human-related results, Cancer.org research has led to a study showing large increases in benzene may eventually lead to leukemia and inhaling/swallowing large doses can even lead to death.

Credit: Kristyna Wentz-Graff

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