![Illinois Restaurants Could Be Faced With A Big Change in 2025](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2023/03/attachment-styrofoam-feat.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
Illinois Restaurants Could Be Faced With A Big Change in 2025
Illinois is taking a significant step forward in an effort to reduce plastic pollution by passing a bill that would ban the use of disposable food containers made of styrofoam.
Environmental Advocates Applaud the Ban
The Illinois Environmental Council, an organization that advocates for environmental protection, calls the ban a huge step forward in addressing the plastic pollution crisis. The executive director of IEC Jen Walling said it is not possible to recycle our way out of this problem.
She pointed out that the ban would encourage businesses to find more sustainable alternatives to one-time-use styrofoam containers.
The Ban Will Reduce Plastic Pollution in Illinois
Volunteers have picked up an astounding 57,000 foam pieces from Illinois beaches and waterways, according to Anja Brandon, associate director of U.S. plastics policy at Ocean Conservancy.
The ban on styrofoam\ would significantly reduce plastic pollution in Illinois. Brandon also noted that foam cannot be recycled and can contaminate the waste stream, making it difficult to recycle other materials.
Effective Recycling Will Be Encouraged
The restriction on styrofoam containers will also encourage more individuals to recycle. Removing a non-recyclable material from the equation will guarantee that other materials can undergo proper recycling procedures without any risk of contamination from styrofoam.
This will maintain the health of the recycling system, curtail the likelihood of materials ending up in landfills or polluting the environment, and foster the practice of effective recycling.
See More: Did You Know Burger King is Banned in Mattoon, Illinois?
The bill, which passed with a 67-43 vote, now moves to the Senate and is a bold move towards a more sustainable future.
[h/t WTVO]
LOOK: 25 things that have different names depending on where you live in the US
Here Is How To Blur Your Home On Google Street View
More From Rockford's New Country Q98.5
![The Truth About These Giant Mosquitos Seen All Over Illinois](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-26T155018.783.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Fire at Rockford Apartment Complex Causes $275,000 in Damages](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2024/07/attachment-FIRE.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Brawler from Rockford, Illinois Starring in Season 3 of Dana White’s Power Slap](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2024/07/attachment-SLAP-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Illinois Olympians To Watch For In Paris 2024](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-25T160218.089.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Illinois Weather May Get Into the Hottest Stretch of Summer Beginning Next Week](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2024/07/attachment-Heat.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Important News for Illinois Low Income Families Receiving TANF Payments](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2024/07/attachment-GettyImages-2156717876-Daniel-Boczarski.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Rockford Needs Help To Save Parks From Disgusting Vandals](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-24T150142.149.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![The Best Burritos Are Served at These Illinois Food Joints](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2024/04/attachment-Burrito.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![2 Best Theaters in Illinois to See the Thrilling New Movie ‘Twisters’](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2024/07/attachment-Movie-best.jpg?w=980&q=75)