BILL NUMBER: S3911A
SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the environmental conservation law and the state finance
law, in relation to food service item waste reduction
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To promote the use of eco-friendly alternative Utensils and condiments
to reduce plastic waste and support environmental conservation
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 adds a new title 34 to Article 27 of the Environmental Conser-
vation Law, which establishes eco-friendly standards for utensils and
condiments used by public food service establishments. The section
mandates that public food service establishments may only provide
single-use plastic utensils or condiments if they are eco-friendly
alternatives and only upon a customer's express request. Additionally,
establishments with on-site seating must provide reusable, washable
utensils and dishware for on-premises dining and ensure they are
returned for cleaning and reuse. It also prohibits establishments from
offering bundled packages of single-use utensils or condiments.
Section 2 sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Plastic waste from single-use utensils and condiment packets contributes
significantly to environmental pollution, harming ecosystems and wild-
life while overburdening waste management systems. With growing concerns
about plastic pollution and its long-term impact on marine life and
human health, New York must adopt measures that encourage the use of
sustainable alternatives. Eco-friendly utensils and condiments, made
from compostable or reusable materials, present a viable solution to
reduce plastic consumption while supporting the state's environmental
conservation goals. Many states and cities across the country have
successfully implemented similar policies, demonstrating that eco-
friendly practices can be seam-lessly integrated into food service oper-
ations without compromising customer convenience or business profitabil-
ity.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect 180 days after it becomes law.

Statutes affected:
S3911A: 92-s state finance law, 92-s(3) state finance law