Albemarle County, VA
Home MenuStyrofoam Regulation for Food Vendors
The Virginia General Assembly passed a law in 2021 that bans the use of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), known commonly as Styrofoam, by food vendors. Polystyrene takes over 500 years to break down, is frequently littered, breaks into microplastics that are easily ingested by wildlife and contaminate the environment, and is linked to cancer and nervous system damage.
State Law Implementation
The ban applies to all vendors operating in Virginia as of July 1, 2026.
By law, localities may grant food vendors up to a one-year exemption for the EPS ban. The exemption can be renewed if the vendor meets the criteria and reapplies before the exemption expires.
Helpful Resources
- Read the full Virginia State law: VA Code: 10.1-1424.3
- DEQ Foam-Free Resources website
Exemptions to State Law
Eligible food vendors may apply for exemption to Albemarle County and must show that (1) it has "no reasonable alternative"; and that (2) compliance with the law will "cause significant economic hardship."
To apply for an exemption, fill out the following form completely and submit.
Please note that the review and approval process for exemptions will take up to 60-days.