(Washington Insider Magazine) – The City Council of the Big Apple approved a law that, from now on, eliminates disposable utensils inside delivery bags, in order to protect the environment from plastic waste.
New Yorkers who usually order food at home or who buy take-out items from bakeries and restaurants in the Big Apple know full well that along with their delicacies, there is rarely a lack of bags with plastic cutlery, which in most cases, few diners use and go straight to the trash.
But this 2023, disposable utensils will no longer be in the food packages that apps and restaurants deliver daily in the five boroughs, due to a law that has just been approved by the New York City Council.
The new rule, known as “Skip the Stuff,” which seeks to reduce plastic waste in the Big Apple prohibits restaurants, food delivery services and couriers from providing eating utensils, as well as napkins, condiment packets and extra containers, unless there is a specific request.
The rule will go into effect six months after it is signed by Mayor Eric Adams, and after an initial grace period, while restaurants get used to the change, businesses that flout the new rule could face fines of up to $250 if they provide repeatedly use plastic utensils without being asked.
In the case of apps such as Uber Eats and Seamless, companies must add the option to request or reject cutlery and condiments in the order forms.
The municipal body stressed that the new law will not only reduce waste, but will also give a break to owners of establishments, as it would reduce expenses.
Say goodbye to plastic cutlery and condiments in takeout orders in New York
The City Council of the Big Apple approved a law that, from now on, eliminates disposable utensils inside delivery bags, in order to protect the environment from plastic waste.
They will no longer provide plastic cutlery and condiments for take-out meals in NYC.
New Yorkers who usually order food at home or who buy take-out items from bakeries and restaurants in the Big Apple know full well that along with their delicacies, there is rarely a lack of bags with plastic cutlery, which in most cases, few diners use and go straight to the trash.
But this 2023, disposable utensils will no longer be in the food packages that apps and restaurants deliver daily in the five boroughs, due to a law that has just been approved by the New York City Council.
The new rule, known as “Skip the Stuff,” which seeks to reduce plastic waste in the Big Apple prohibits restaurants, food delivery services and couriers from providing eating utensils, as well as napkins, condiment packets and extra containers, unless there is a specific request.
The rule will go into effect six months after it is signed by Mayor Eric Adams, and after an initial grace period, while restaurants get used to the change, businesses that flout the new rule could face fines of up to $250 if they provide repeatedly use plastic utensils without being asked.
In the case of apps such as Uber Eats and Seamless, companies must add the option to request or reject cutlery and condiments in the order forms.
The municipal body stressed that the new law will not only reduce waste, but will also give a break to owners of establishments, as it would reduce expenses.
“The ‘Skip the Stuff’ legislation is a great example of smart green policy that will allow us to reduce waste and help our city’s small businesses save costs,” said City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams.
Figures provided by municipal authorities indicate that each year more than 320 million tons of plastic are produced worldwide, 1.1 million pounds in New York City that end up in landfills, 95% of these items being of a I only use, and only 14% is recycled.
Latina councilwoman Marjorie Velázquez, promoter of the new regulations, stressed that with this change in the distribution of food, New York is moving towards environmental protection measures and support for businesses, which will have a lower cost in the provision of their services.
“The law will return money to the pockets of our small businesses and at the same time minimize our city’s carbon footprint and make New York a more sustainable city,” said the Hispanic politician. “If we continue to use single-use plastics and other additions, we will feel the negative repercussions through our environment and our local businesses. We must work together to conserve and maintain a clean city, not only for ourselves, but for future generations.”
Diners like Luis Alejandro Páez, who assures that on average he orders food in places in Astoria, such as “Cafe de Olla”, “la Casa del Pan” and “Río Grande”, four times a week, supported the new law, since he confessed that he never uses the utensils or salt and pepper packets that come with his orders.
“It was about time they put a stop to waste, because many like me, who often order food while at home, do not use those cutlery. One has cutlery in the kitchen and with that one eats, so it seems to me a very good idea that they prohibit the use of those utensils”, commented the Colombian professional.
Lupita Chaydez, a mother of three, also approved the City Council’s measure and said that the utensils she usually receives when ordering takeout, often she doesn’t even take them out of the bag.
“I am one of those who when I take out the food I throw away the rest at once, including the plastic forks and spoons they send, and if businesses can save a few pesos with that, it seems like a good idea to me,” said the laundry worker.
The Adams Administration has expressed its support for the new law, as confirmed by a spokesperson who called the passage of the rule “an important step to reduce the impact of consumers’ personal waste.”
The Law in Facts And Figures
Restaurants and apps will no longer provide disposable utensils or condiments
2023 the rule will enter into force
6 months after Mayor Adams signs it into law
1.1 million pounds of single-use plastic waste is spent in NYC each year
14% of that waste is only recycled
$250 would be the fine that restaurants would be exposed to if they do not comply with the law
This article is authored by Edwin Martínez.