Restricting single-use plastic beverage straws, beverage stirrers and beverage splash sticks, and to repeal chapter 4 of title 16 of such code, relating to rechargeable batteries.

A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to restricting single-use plastic beverage straws, beverage stirrers and beverage splash sticks, and to repeal chapter 4 of title 16 of such code, relating to rechargeable batteries

This bill would restrict food service establishments – such as restaurants, cafes, delis, bars, grocery stores and food trucks – from providing single-use plastic straws, stirrers and splash sticks to customers. Providing single-use plastic stirrers and splash sticks of any kind would be prohibited. Providing non-compostable, single-use plastic straws would be prohibited except upon request. For customers who request a non-compostable plastic straw, food service establishments would be required to provide one free of charge, without inquiring about the reason for the request. To refuse to provide a non-compostable plastic straw or to inquire about the reason for the request could constitute a violation of the City’s Human Rights Law. Food service establishments would additionally be required to stock non-compostable plastic straws to fulfill customer requests, and would have to post signs advertising the straws’ availability at self-serve stations. Compostable plastic straws would be permitted to be given out upon request only for use on-premises, and only if the food service establishment properly separates and disposes of those straws through a commercial composting provider. Food service establishments who violate the provisions of this bill would be liable for civil penalties. This bill would also repeal Chapter 4 of Title 16 of the Administrative Code pertaining to the recycling of rechargeable batteries, which is currently governed by State law.