Bill > HB25

This bill prohibits restaurants in Alaska from using polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) disposable food service ware, such as containers, plates, and cups, with some exceptions. The state government is also banned from purchasing or using these foam products. Restaurants can apply for exemptions if they cannot find affordable alternatives or would face significant financial hardship. The bill allows exceptions for food prepared outside the state, reusable foam coolers, and areas experiencing a disaster emergency. The department of health will recommend that restaurants reuse food service ware when possible and can create regulations allowing customers to bring their own clean containers, provided proper food safety procedures are followed. Restaurants that already have polystyrene foam products purchased before the effective date will be permitted to use them after January 1, 2026, when the law goes into effect. The bill defines key terms like "disposable food service ware" and "polystyrene foam" and broadly interprets "restaurant" to include on-site dining establishments and street vendors selling prepared food.

Government Affairs

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=HB25