48 percent of Ascension hospitals have reduced or eliminated the use of Styrofoam products in their cafeteria food service, which is primarily used by visitors and hospital associates. This list includes all Ascension Wisconsin ministries, which budgeted eliminating Styrofoam in FY17. New and renovated Ascension cafeterias such as the Dell Seton Medical School at the University of Texas in Ascension Texas will begin business with no Styrofoam products. Styrofoam and plastic items are replaced with plates, silverware and glassware for dining in the cafeteria and paper products for carryout. Styrofoam is a particular problem because it is not commonly recycled and polystyrene is a chemical of concern, especially when used for hot food and drink.
Several hospitals do not provide plastic bags for cafeteria carryout, promote reusable cups with a discount for refills and dispense drinks instead of selling single-use bottles in order to minimize waste that must then be recycled or sent to the landfill.