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New York City’s ban on some to-go plastic utensils goes into effect

The new law aims to to curb plastic waste and extraneous spending

Deputy Food Editor

Published

Flat lay view of couple eating delicious takeaway fast food meal (Getty Images/Oscar Wong)
Flat lay view of couple eating delicious takeaway fast food meal (Getty Images/Oscar Wong)

A new law is going into effect throughout New York City on Monday which may change what comes in the bag with your future food delivery orders.

The "Skip the Stuff" law "prohibits city restaurants, as well as delivery apps operating in the city, from providing customers with utensils, condiment packets, extra containers and napkins in takeout or delivery orders, unless requested by the customer" according to Spectrum NY1. Once the law goes into effect, there will be warnings — followed by fines — for any restaurants or delivery apps that don't abide by the new law. 

As the NYC.gov page states, the law aims to "save businesses money by cutting down their costs," help environmental efforts because "single-use plastic forks and spoons can end up in landfills for centuries," and ensuring a "cleaner, greener city." Of course, if or when a patron notes that they would like extra napkins or plastics, then they will be delivered — but if there's no mention of it, their delivery will simply consist of the items they specifically ordered. 

 

 

By Michael La Corte

Michael is a food writer, recipe editor and educator based in his beloved New Jersey. After graduating from the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, he worked in restaurants, catering and supper clubs before pivoting to food journalism and recipe development. He also holds a BA in psychology and literature from Pace University.


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