Show All Answers

1. What is polystyrene?

Polystyrene, commonly referred to by its trade name as "Styrofoam," is a petroleum-based plastic derived from a styrene monomer. Because polystyrene is a lightweight material with insulation properties, it is commonly used to manufacture a variety of single-use disposable products, such as cups, takeout containers, and other food and beverage service ware.

2. What businesses are included in the ban?

"Food and beverage providers" means any vendor, business, store, organization, or group, including any retail food establishments, located or operating within Concord that sells, vends, or serves non-prepackaged food or beverages regardless of whether there is a charge for the food or beverage such as:

• Cafeteria
• Caterer
• Catering Truck or Vehicle
• Full Service Restaurant
• Limited Service Restaurant
• Sidewalk or Other Outdoor Vendor
• Supermarket

Applicable food and beverage providers include but are not limited to: 

• After-School Programs
• Catering Companies
• Charter Schools
• Childcare Facilities
• City Facilities
• Hospitals
• Private Schools
• Retail Food Businesses

3. Are there any exemptions from the ban?

Prepackaged foods in foam cups or trays like ramen noodles, raw eggs, or raw meat trays are exempt from the ban. Also, service ware exempt from the ban includes: 

• Drink Lids
• Raw Meat Trays
• Soup Lids
• Splash Sticks
• Stir Sticks
• Straws
• Tablecloth
• Utensils

Additionally, retail items containing polystyrene foam that are sold in bulk or individually to customers and are not used to sell, vend, or serve food or beverages at the time of sale are not included in the ban.