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You will soon be glad you have that drawer of flimsy plastic forks, single-use ketchup packets, soy sauce, chopsticks and more takeout freebies.
Starting on Monday, July 31, the New York Department of Sanitation’s “Skip the Stuff” law goes into effect—and that stuff is all the single-use accouterments typically included with a takeout order (i.e. single-use plastics that end up in landfills for centuries).
According to the policy, New York City food service establishments cannot provide utensils, condiment packets, napkins, or extra containers to take-out or delivery customers, unless requested by the customer.
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So, you better prepare if you need a utensil or sauces. Since restaurants’ new default is to not provide these items even on ordering platforms and delivery apps unless requested, there may be surcharges for when you need them, which means your standard takeout order may have just gotten more expensive.
How will this new legislation be enforced? Likely, customers aren't ratting out their favorite sushi spots for including a few extra pickled ginger packs, but routine inspections from the NYC Department of Sanitation and NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection will look for violations and fine offending businesses starting in July 2024.
Mayor Adams signed the Skip the Stuff bill into law in January 2023, under the premise that it will reduce landfill waste and help restaurants cut unnecessary costs.
Every year, more than 320 million tons of plastic are consumed globally, with 95% of plastic only used once and 14% for recycling, the bill states.
It may be time to start carrying that reusable spork all your West Coast friends rave about.