Stava-Murray Sustainability Law Permits Consumer-Owned Containers at Restaurants, Ready-to-Eat Retailers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois consumers wishing to reduce their material footprint will have additional flexibility under a new law passed by state Rep. Anne Stava-Murray, D-Downers Grove, that permits restaurants and food retailers to fill or refill consumer-owned, reusable containers with ready-to-eat or dry bulk foods, eliminating the necessity of using disposable containers for that purpose.

“Promoting sustainability is one of the biggest things we can do to better protect our environment,” Stava-Murray said. “Allowing sustainability-minded consumers and businesses who wish to limit their material footprint via reusable containers to do so, consistent with health department guidelines, is a big step in the right direction for Illinois.”

Stava-Murray’s House Bill 2086 requires the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to create statewide health standards for the use of consumer-owned containers for leftovers or takeout at restaurants as well as ready-to-eat or dry-bulk food retailers, and allows local health departments and municipalities to create additional standards. The law itself requires that consumer-owned containers be clean, sanitary and free from debris; in addition to being smooth, durable and easy to clean.

The bill was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Aug. 11. IDPH has until Jan. 1, 2024 to develop the rules necessary to implement the law’s provisions.

“Illinoisans shouldn’t have to choose between supporting sustainability and enjoying their favorite food experiences,” Stava-Murray said. “Now, soon, they won’t have to. A sustainable economy is possible but sometimes, as in this case, it just requires the law to make space for it.”