NEW YORK — Beginning on January 1, 2026, no covered food service provider, manufacturer or store is allowed to sell, offer for sale, or distribute expanded polystyrene containers that are not wholly encapsulated or encased with a more durable container and are designed or intended to be used for cold storage. This includes but is not limited to coolers and ice chests

Examples of banned cold storage items include polystyrene foam coolers consumers in NY State may purchase from stores - both on the shelf and online, polystyrene foam containers used for shipping temperature sensitive items, and other containers such as those used to keep fishing bait cool. For more information, including exemptions, visit the NYSDEC’s Polystyrene Foam Ban webpage.

Polystyrene foam coolers (sometimes referred to as “styrofoam”) can sometimes seem to be the default option, but the costs of using such single-use and disposable items are to our environment, health, and recycling systems. Polystyrene foam coolers and other cold storage containers not only result in litter when they are not properly disposed of, but they can negatively effect wildlife, waterways, and other natural resources and become microplastic pollution.

Polystyrene foam is also not accepted in most residential recycling programs — it is difficult to recycle, has low value, and can contaminate other valuable recyclables when it ends up in home recycling bins. Recognizing these adverse effects, New York State is starting the New Year with an expansion of the NY State foam ban to no longer permit the use of certain cold storage containers made from expanded polystyrene foam. Foam bans are an effective way to reduce polystyrene foam in the waste stream, the environment, and encourage alternatives that are reusable, recyclable, and compostable.

Any alternative may be used, as long as the alternative food/ beverage container or packaging product does not contain expanded polystyrene foam. DEC encourages the use of reusable, recyclable, and compostable items, source reduction and items made using recycled content where possible.

Here are a few alternatives to polystyrene foam that you may see:

• Foil Liners- made from aluminum and are available in foil envelopes, bags, and shipping box liners. These liners can be used for shipping temperature-sensitive items, adding an extra layer of insulation.
• Paper Fiber/Cardboard – created from trees or recycled paper and cardboard, paper fiber can be molded into containers and protective packaging in a variety of sizes and shapes, like coolers and bait containers.
• Mushroom/Mycelium – the root structure of mushrooms can be molded into a compostable (check local guidelines) and lightweight material used for packaging or shipment protection. Some Mushroom/mycelium packaging is made with a hemp blend.
• Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Starch-Based Foams – made of plant-derived sugars from plants such as corn and sugar cane rather than petroleum.  These foams can be formed into liners, bait containers, and other protective shapes used for shipping temperature sensitive items.

Looking to learn more about the polystyrene foam ban? Read more about the Polystyrene Foam Ban on DEC’s website.

Did You Know That?

If you see a foam ban violation, you can submit a complaint form to DEC.

Submit A Complaint Form