Love it or hate it? Virginia’s Styrofoam ban takes effect July 1

Virginia's ban on Styrofoam is set to take effect July 1, four years after legislators approved its phase-out, with the reception getting mixed reviews despite what officials say is its harmful effect on the environment.

State lawmakers have wanted to see Virginia go foam-free, as the legislation bans single-use polystyrene — better known as Styrofoam. It includes plates, cups, containers and bowls. Maine was the first state to ban the material in 2019.

Chick-Fil-A is stirring up the sweet tea, moving to paper cups a whole month early.

"We go above and beyond expectations, so we wanted to be ahead of the curve,” said Will Taylor, owner and operator of the Frederick Boulevard Chick-fil-A.

What have his customers said about the change?

"Mixed reviews," he said. "Most of our customers are not very excited about the change."

That may be an understatement.

The news hit social media site Reddit recently. Comments there include: "Sweats like woah," "This feels gross" and the helpful advice: "Bring your own tumbler."

"That's why I get everything without ice now so I know I can at least make it home without it doing that,” Chick-fil-A customer Jake Darrel said, referring to the paper cups’ inability to insulate as well as Styrofoam.

Another Chick-fil-A customer, Darryl Chesson, also favored the Styrofoam's durability.

"I'll tell you what, the Styrofoam is definitely more durable than the paper,” Chesson said.

For customer Trice Dobard, the Styrofoam isn't her focus.

"I like what's in the cup, so it doesn't really matter, so I guess it's a good thing,” Dobard said.

For now, the law will only apply to businesses with 20 or more locations. Smaller businesses will have to comply in July 2026.

Alternatives listed by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality include paper, plastic, bamboo or foil, which could cost the business owner more.

A Nexstar station in Virginia asked Jenna Pond, manager of Lulu's Hot Dogs Inc., about complying down the road.

“We currently use cardboard and paper for a few things already," Pond said. "So we can definitely try to transition more into that, but we would have to look at cost-effectiveness."

The VDEQ said Styrofoam takes 500 years to break down, and even then, it doesn't break down fully. It can also be confused for food by animals, and it's thought to be a possible carcinogen.

"It is a little frustrating for sure, I guess,” Darrel said.

For more information, check out the VDEQ’s website.