WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SD 1550

An Act to restrict the use of polystyrene

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Barrett and 2 co-sponsors

Prohibits sale and use of disposable polystyrene food containers in restaurants and retailers starting Aug 1, 2027, with hardship deferrals and penalties up to $1,000.

House concurred
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SD 1550

Summary: Senate Bill SD 1550 — An Act to restrict the use of polystyrene

Status: House concurred; Referred to the Committee on Public Health (2025-02-27)

Proposed effective date: August 1, 2027 (with possible one-year deferral for undue hardship)

Sponsor: Senator Michael J. Barrett (and co-sponsors)

Purpose and intent

SD 1550 seeks to reduce the use of polystyrene in Massachusetts by prohibiting the sale, distribution, and use of polystyrene disposable food service containers in food-related settings. The bill aims to lessen environmental impact and advance public health by limiting reliance on polystyrene, a material commonly used for foam and rigid containers.

Key provisions

  • Insertion of new Section 5T into Chapter 111 of the General Laws.
  • Definitions:
    • Disposable Food Container: single-use item used in food service to serve, transport, or package food or beverages.
    • Food Establishment: any business that stores, prepares, serves, vends, or provides food for human consumption (including operations requiring a state permit).
    • Polystyrene: synthetic resin, polymer of styrene, used mainly in lightweight foams and solid containers.
    • Prepared Food: food/beverage prepared for consumption on-site (excludes raw uncooked meat/fish/eggs unless consumed without further preparation).
    • Retail Establishment: businesses selling goods directly to consumers (e.g., grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.).
  • Prohibitions (effective August 1, 2027):
    • Food establishments may not dispense food to customers in disposable polystyrene containers.
    • Retail establishments may not sell or distribute disposable polystyrene containers to customers.
  • Hardship deferral:
    • A food establishment may apply to its local health department for a deferral if compliance would cause undue hardship.
    • Local health department may grant a one-year deferral if the hardship is unique, there are no reasonable alternatives, and compliance would cause significant economic hardship.
  • Enforcement and penalties:
    • The state commissioner will promulgate regulations to enforce the section.
    • Fines may be imposed for violations, up to $1,000 per violation.

Timeline and implementation

  • Regulatory framework to be established by the commissioner.
  • Starting August 1, 2027: prohibition on polystyrene disposable containers in food and retail settings.
  • Local health departments may grant a one-year hardship deferral upon a formal request.
  • House concurrence recorded in 2025; bill filed in January 2025, with prior related legislation historically filed in earlier sessions.

Affected parties

  • Food Establishments (restaurants, caterers, cafeterias, etc.) will need alternative packaging and serving options.
  • Retail Establishments (supermarkets, pharmacies, convenience stores, etc.) will need to stop distributing polystyrene containers.
  • Local health departments will administer hardship deferrals and enforce compliance.
  • General public: potential environmental and material-use shifts toward alternatives.

Notable context

  • Similar measure previously filed in 2023-2024 (Senate No. 1328).
  • Status indicates cross-chamber action (House concurred) and formal referral to Public Health for consideration.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.