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Elmhurst council declines local ban on styrofoam food containers, opts to wait for state action
Summary
After extended debate over costs, enforcement and local leadership, the Elmhurst City Council voted 9–4 to accept a committee recommendation not to pursue a local ban on styrofoam food containers now and to await state legislation.
The Elmhurst City Council voted 9–4 on May 4 to accept a Public Affairs & Safety Committee recommendation not to adopt a local ban on styrofoam food containers at this time and instead to wait for pending state legislation.
The committee report, read into the record by Clerk Tamer, recommended delaying local action so restaurants statewide would face a uniform rule and to avoid disadvantaging local businesses. Alderman Brennan, who spoke for the committee, said the state timeline gives businesses long lead time and may be a fairer approach than a patchwork of municipal rules. "We feel that it's prudent to follow what the state is going to, you know, hopefully deliver for everyone," Brennan said.
Aldermen pressing for a local restriction said Elmhurst could lead on sustainability and manage a transition period for small businesses. "Oak Park and Chicago have done this and it's been successful," Alderman Grama said, urging the council to adopt a local phase‑in if it moved forward. Alderman Baker described the environmental harm of styrofoam and called for city leadership on the issue.
Other speakers raised practical concerns. Alderman Nardini, who identified himself as a restaurant owner, cautioned that franchisees often cannot change suppliers independently. Alderman Veramis and others flagged enforcement challenges and the possibility that state law could simplify compliance across municipalities.
Council members debated alternatives including a local transition period mirroring Oak Park's approach and additional outreach to businesses. Several members said the committee had contacted five local businesses as part of its review.
After discussion the council voted to accept the committee recommendation to not pursue a local ban at this time and to revisit the issue if state action stalls. Report 7.10 passed 9 ayes, 4 nays.
What's next: the referral remains on file; the Public Affairs & Safety Committee noted it would revisit the matter if the Illinois senate bill (referred to in the report) does not move forward. The council did not adopt a local ordinance or set an effective date at the May 4 meeting.
