Virginia Foam Ban Compliance
Important compliance dates for Virginia’s Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) food service container ban.
20 Locations or More
Effective July 1, 2025
Beginning July 1, 2025, restaurants and similar retail food establishments that are part of a chain with 20 or more locations offering substantially the same menu items under the same name may no longer dispense prepared food in Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) food service containers.
This requirement applies regardless of the ownership structure of the individual locations.
View Virginia Code →19 Locations or Less
Effective July 1, 2026
The Commonwealth of Virginia delayed the phased prohibition for smaller food vendors operating 19 locations or fewer until July 1, 2026.
Businesses with fewer than 20 locations have an additional year to transition away from EPS foam containers.
View Virginia Budget Bill →Virginia DEQ Foam-Free Resources
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) provides additional guidance, resources, and educational materials regarding the Foam-Free initiative and EPS compliance requirements.
Visit DEQ Foam-Free ResourcesImportant Information for Food Vendors
While Virginia's legislation establishes statewide compliance deadlines, implementation and enforcement may vary by locality.
Food vendors are encouraged to communicate directly with their local government or regulatory agencies to understand any locality-specific requirements, support programs, or guidance related to the EPS Foam Ban.