News on Polystyrene Bans

On ocotber 14, the Chicago City Council voted to pass the Chicago Coalition for Plastic Reduction supported ordinance that will prohibit City departments from purchasing single-use polystyrene foam beginning January 1, 2027. Introduced by 47th Ward Alderman Matt Martin, the ordinance is a small but important step towards getting the City to rethink its procurement practices and use its purchasing power to reduce unnecessary single-use plastics.

Tessa Murray, Friends’ watershed policy manager and the coalition’s co-chair, wrote to the team, “Thank you to everyone who reached out to their alderpeople, shared the call with family and friends, and helped build support for this ordinance. And a MAJOR thank you to the incredible Chicago CPR team for all your hard work and dedication in carrying this effort from the initial subject matter hearing all the way to today's City Council vote.” 

The polystyrene ban supports Friends’ Litter Free Chicago-Calumet River program and efforts to reduce the waste stream to reduce litter in and along the river which harms people and wildlife.

Find out what else you can do to reduce waste here.