SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (IRN) — Business groups feart legislation moving through Springfield banning single-use plastics and styrofoam containers will drive up costs for consumers.
One measure creates the Disposable Food Service Container Act, which is aimed at banning polystyrene foam containers. Illinois already has a ban on styrofoam foodware at state facilities.
“Polystyrene, especially in the form of styrofoam, poses a significant environmental problem,” said the bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Laura Fine, D-Glenview. “It decomposes slowly, and it has a tendency to fragment into microscopic plastics. Also styrene can leach into the environment harming wildlife and water sources.”
According to the group Friends of the Chicago River, studies show that upward of 85% of river trash is plastic, much of it from polystyrene food packaging.
The legislation passed out of committee and is headed to the Senate floor for a vote.
Another measure would prohibit stores or food service businesses from providing single-use plastic bags to customers. The bill suggests businesses switch to nylon, cloth, a hemp product, or another machine-washable fabric bag.
The National Federation of Independent Business is opposed to the legislation, saying it would add extra costs to low-income consumers who are already dealing with high grocery prices.
The city of Evanston banned plastic bags in 2023, including an ordinance that stated that 40% of all paper bags had to be made of recycled material.
Another bill amends the Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, and provides that a full-service restaurant or quick-service restaurant shall not provide single-use plastic disposable foodware items to a consumer ordering or purchasing dine-in food unless requested by the consumer. The measure is headed to the House floor for a vote.
By KEVIN BESSLER
Illinois Radio Network
