City plans to effect restrictions on plastic utensils in food deliveries Monday

A new city law will come into effect on Monday, prohibiting establishments in the city from providing customers with plastic utensils and other single-use items in takeout or delivery orders, unless explicitly requested by the customer.

The legislation, titled “Skip the Stuff,” was approved by the City Council in January and subsequently signed into law by Mayor Eric Adams. It not only applies to city restaurants but also extends to delivery apps operating within the city limits. Under this law, businesses are forbidden from including utensils, condiment packets, extra containers, and napkins in takeout or delivery orders unless the customer specifically asks for them.

The primary goal of the “Skip the Stuff” rules, as highlighted by the Sanitation Department, is to significantly reduce the amount of single-use plastics that often end up polluting landfills and contributing to environmental degradation.

It’s important to note that the implementation of fines will not begin immediately. For any violations occurring before June 30 of next year, businesses will be given a warning instead of facing monetary penalties. However, starting from that date onwards, businesses found in violation of the law will be subject to civil penalties. The penalties escalate with each offense, ranging from $50 for a first offense to $250 for a third offense within a 12-month period.

With this initiative, the city is taking a proactive step towards curbing plastic waste and promoting sustainable practices within the food industry. Customers are encouraged to play their part by requesting only the items they truly need, thereby contributing to a cleaner and greener environment.