
Since 2007, the Surfrider Foundation and our dedicated grassroots activists have helped pass nearly 360 plastic pollution prevention laws at the local, state, and federal levels! Passing strong laws takes time and we’re excited to see more laws go into effect in 2025.
Here’s a list of some of the statewide plastics-related laws going into effect this year. The Surfrider network will closely track these laws as effective implementation and enforcement of the law is critical to its success. Many laws include complaint mechanisms so you can help report any violations too.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Foam Foodware
Oregon and Rhode Island now have laws banning certain restaurants or food vendors from providing or serving food in containers made from EPS. Illinois’ existing ban now applies to smaller restaurants, not-for-profits, government agencies, and other entities. A similar law in Delaware will take effect on July 1.
With the passage of California’s comprehensive plastic pollution reduction law focused on packaging in 2022, producers of EPS foodware must demonstrate a 25% recycling rate by January 1, 2025. As EPS foodware is not proven to be recyclable, a de facto ban on this item goes into effect on January 1.
Enforcement
- Oregon: If you notice a restaurant or food vendor not complying with this law, reach out to your city's code enforcement office. For the City of Portland specifically, report violations here.
- Rhode Island: Fill out the Attorney General complaint form.
- Illinois: You can file a complaint here.
Hotel Single-Use Toiletries
New York now prohibits certain hotels with 50 rooms or more from providing personal care products like soap or shampoo in small plastic containers or single-use packaging. Illinois has a similar law set to go into effect on July 1 for hotels with 50 rooms or more. Washington will follow suit for some kinds of hotels in 2027.
These single-use toiletry laws align with our recently launched Ocean Friendly Hotels programs. Through this program, Surfrider recognizes hotels committed to making sustainable choices for our ocean and highlights that these changes are possible and strengthen businesses. One of the requirements is that hotels do not use small plastic containers for toiletries.
Enforcement: If you notice a hotel not complying with this law in New York, you can fill out this consumer complaint form.
Plastic Bags
California will phase out plastic produce bags in grocery stores. Californians are encouraged to bring their reusable bags or compostable or recycled paper bags will be available.
Enforcement: If you notice a grocery store not complying with this law, fill out the CA Attorney General complaint form or report violations to your City Attorney, or County Attorney.
Toxic Chemicals
PFAS are a class of highly fluorinated toxic chemicals used in many food containers, packaging, and household products due to their oil-, stain- and water-repellent properties. PFAS accumulate in the environment and human bodies and are linked to cancer, high cholesterol, reproductive and thyroid problems and immune suppression. With PFAS found in water, air, and soil, the cost of cleanup and the toll on public health cannot be ignored.
Oregon has restricted the sale, use or distribution of food packaging containing PFAS starting January 1, 2025.
Minnesota has taken a firm stance on PFAS, with a ban on intentionally added PFAS in 11 product categories, including carpets, cleaning products, cookware, and cosmetics, effective from 1 January 2025. This law represents a significant step towards minimizing these impacts by reducing intentionally added PFAS in common consumer products.
Enforcement
- Oregon: Contact the Department of Environmental Quality’s Materials Management Program at 503-229-5696 or 800-452-4011.
- Minnesota: Education is the first step to compliance, even after 1/1/2025. However, the Minnesota Pollution Contral Agency has the authority to issue enforcement for violations of the prohibition.
Want to help Surfrider continue the good fight in passing plastic reduction policies in 2025? Beach cleanup results can help inform policies and Ocean Friendly Restaurants and Hotels support new legislation.
Here are a few ways you can dive in!
- Join a beach cleanup
- Dine at an Ocean Friendly Restaurant
- Stay at an Ocean Friendly Hotel
- Volunteer at a local chapter or student club