Polystyrene Products

Purpose

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has adopted a policy to discontinue the use of polystyrene products on campus because of its damaging effects on the environment and the potential health hazards.

Scope

This policy applies to all units on the Urbana campus.

Authority

This policy is implemented under the authority of the Executive Director of Facilities & Services.

Policy

The purchase of polystyrene products by University of Illinois departments and units is prohibited.

Processes/Procedures/Guidelines

Departments should discontinue the purchase and use of polystyrene plates and cups for all purposes. Reusable or paper products should be used, with a preference for reusable products.

Degradable packaging material is preferred to polystyrene and should be used if available. Polystyrene packing materials received in material shipments should be retained for reuse in outgoing packages.

Contact

Questions regarding polystyrene and this policy should be addressed to the Campus Recycling and Material Reduction coordinator, (217) 244-SAVE ((217) 244-7283). Refer also to the Policy on Recycling, Recycled Products Procurement, and Waste Reduction for more information on recycled and/or reusable goods.