Westchester County Passes "Upon Request" Law Aimed at Reducing Foodware Waste

Beginning September 2nd, no food service establishment within Westchester County may provide single-use foodware or condiment packets to dine-in or take-away customers unless requested. This pertains to items such as forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks, cup sleeves, beverage lids and condiment packets.  This law upholds existing safety protocols for utensil storage within food service establishments and maintains standards of cleanliness upheld by the Department of Health. Food service establishments are required to display a sign provided by the County informing customers that plastic utensils, condiments, and straws are available only upon request.  This law aims to address the billions of single-use plastic items that are thrown away in Westchester each year.