Next Monday, November 1, a city-wide ban on single-use plastic straws, plastic stirrers, and plastic splash sticks goes into effect for food service establishments. Passed by the New York City Council on Wednesday, May 12, the legislation, however, mandates that restaurants and other food service establishments provide plastic straws for those who request them in order to accommodate patrons with disabilities. Food service establishments must also post signs at self-service stations notifying customers that straws are available free of charge to those who request them. Plastic stirrers and splash sticks will be prohibited at all times.
The move to limit the use of single-use plastic straws was spurred by environmental concerns. Single-use plastic straws, stirrers, and splash sticks are not effectively recycled and typically end up in landfills or our oceans. Food service establishments may continue to provide compostable plastic straws, provided that they dispose of them correctly. Food service establishments who do not comply with this legislation are subject to civil penalties.
Click here for more information and here to read the New York City Council’s press release on the legislation.
Photo credit: AMNY
