Upper Providence Township Council approved a new ordinance that prohibits the use of single-use plastics and polystyrene (i.e., Styrofoam) products across the Township on July 8, 2025. This initiative aligns with similar efforts already adopted in 40 other Pennsylvania municipalities, including Media Borough, Nether Providence, Haverford, Swarthmore, and Radnor.
Single-use Ordinance 563
Key Provisions of the Ordinance
Implementation: January 1, 2026
Application: Customer transactions at retail establishments (not nonprofits)
- Ban on single-use plastic bags
- Ban on non-recycled paper bags (less than 40% post-consumer recycled material)
- Single-use plastic utensils ban (straws allowed for disabilities)
- Ban on expanded polystyrene food service products (e.g., Styrofoam)
Approved Alternatives
Fees must be itemized on customer receipts.
- Recycled paper bags (at least 40% post-consumer recycled content): $0.15 minimum charge per bag
- Reusable bags: $0.25 minimum charge per bag
Notification Requirement
Township-provided signage at all points of sale.
Enforcement and Penalties
- First Violation: $50
- Second Violation: $100
- Third and Subsequent Violations: $300 per incident
Each day of non-compliance is a separate violation. Additional legal action may be pursued for repeated non-compliance.
Ordinance Explanation
| Topic | Definition | Business Obligation | Exclusions | Effective Date |
Single-use plastic bags | Bags made of synthetic materials or plastic | May not provide | Bags part of product packaging; dry cleaning bagged outside of the township | January 1, 2026 |
Non-recycled paper bags | Bags made of paper with at least 40% post-consumer recycled material | May not provide | Bags part of product packaging | January 1, 2026 |
Recycled paper bags | Bags made of paper with at least 40% post-consumer recycled material | May be provided for a charge of at least $0.15 each (establishment retains any monies collected); if provided, must be itemized on the receipt | January 1, 2026 | |
Single-use plastic utensils | Straws, forks, spoons, sporks, knives, chopsticks, drink stirrers, beverage spill plugs, toothpicks, novelty cocktail accessories primarily made of plastic | May not provide | Straws included with beverages prepared outside the Township. Straws provided to accommodate disability | January 1, 2026 |
Expanded polystyrene food service product | Products made of polystyrene (including Styrofoam) intended for selling, providing, or transporting food or beverages | May not provide | Items packaged in polystyrene outside the Township used to package raw meat, fish, poultry, or seafood | January 1, 2026 |
Reusable bag | Bag made of cloth or other machine-washable fabric that has stitched handles; or a polypropylene bag that has stitched handles | May be provided for a charge of at least $0.25 each (establishment retains any monies collected); if provided, must be itemized on the receipt | January 1, 2026 | |
Enforcement | A person, store, or food service establishment that violates the requirements of ordinance is subject to a civil penalty | Pay civil penalty of $50.00 for first offense; $100.00 for second offense; $300.00 for third and subsequent offenses | January 1, 2026 | |
Temporary signage | Signage provided by the Township explaining impacted items | Must post signage at all points of sale informing customers of impacted items | Beginning 30 days after effective date and for 9 months thereafter |
Ordinance Key Dates
- January–March 2025, Public Discussions: UPT Environmental Commission holds various public meetings on topic.

- March 20, 2025, Proposed Ordinance: UPT Environmental Commission votes to advise council to adopt ordinance.

- April 8, 2025, Ordinance Announcement: UPT Township Council announce proposed ordinance.

- April 15, 2025, Mailing: UPT businesses informed of proposed ordinance by mail.

- May 15, 2025, Information Session: UPT Environmental Commission held information session with the public.

- June 10, 2025, First Reading of Ordinance
- July 8, 2025, Ordinance Adoption: UPT Township Council voted to adopt the ordinance.

- July 15, 2025, Effective Date: The ordinance becomes effective.
- July 30, 2025–April 20, 2026, Temporary Signage:
UPT businesses required to display temporary signage.

- January 1, 2026, Ban in Effect: The ban and enforcement takes effect.