CT SB00099

School districts, regional school districts, regional vocational technical schools, and higher education institutions must develop a plan by July 1, 2021, to discontinue use of expanded polystyrene food trays, with implementation required by July 1, 2022.

Effective July 1, 2022, restaurant and catering business owners are prohibited from providing or distributing single-use expanded polystyrene containers to consumers for food or beverages.

Violations carry escalating fines: $250 for the first violation, $500 for the second violation, and $1,000 for the third or any subsequent violation.

Exceptions allow pre-filled and sealed containers sold by restaurants or caterers, and containers used by butchers or stores for raw meat products.

Local health departments, health districts, and state agencies (Public Health, Consumer Protection, and Energy and Environmental Protection) may enforce the law, with one-half of local fines remitted to the affected municipality.