NYC Bans Plastic Cutlery – $250 Fine For Offending Restaurants
In New York City, diners have a limited time left to bid farewell to automatically included utensils, condiments, and napkins in their takeout orders. Starting July 31, new legislation will be in effect to curb waste in the city, requiring takeout and delivery establishments to refrain from including utensils, condiment packets, napkins, or extra containers unless specifically requested by the customer.
Although the rule takes effect in a few days, the penalties for non-compliance will not be enforced until July 1, 2024, after the warning period ends. If a violation occurs within a 12-month period, the establishment will receive a $50 fine for the first notice, $150 for the second, and $250 for the third notice and any subsequent violations.
The law also mandates that businesses using online delivery platforms adjust their default order settings to exclude utensils and condiments while offering customers the option to request these items. However, self-service stations inside eateries are exempt from these regulations.
These requirements stem from the “Skip the Stuff” law signed by Mayor Eric Adams in February, aimed at promoting a cleaner and more environmentally friendly city. New York City generates approximately 38 million pounds of single-use plastic from residential waste annually, with additional significant amounts from commercial establishments. By reducing unnecessary waste in takeout orders, the city aims to make a positive impact on its environmental footprint.
Post Comment