New York City Plastic Regulations

New York City has been taking measures to prevent large volumes of plastic from ending up in landfills, incinerators, the Hudson River, and the NYC waterfront. Lawmakers first went after Styrofoam, and in 2020, the Big Apple implemented the New York City plastic bag ban, which has successfully reduced the use of plastic retail bags. 

Before lawmakers implemented this law, New Yorkers used more than 10 billion plastic carryout bags yearly. Since the carryout bag ban, the city has introduced more bans and regulations to reduce the use of single-use plastics. 

The Plastic Crisis and Plastic Bans in NYC 

Here are some key details about the plastic problem and how it impacts New Yorkers:

• Plastic production is increasing worldwide, but the United States only recycles about 6% of plastic. The rest ends up in environmentally problematic incinerators, landfills, rivers, and the ocean. 
• New York City discards about 20,000 tons of plastic foodware every year. 
• According to a 2021 study, people consume hundreds of thousands of microplastics annually. Ingested or inhaled microplastics are linked to strokes, heart attacks, and premature deaths. 
• New York City has joined other cities like Chicago and Denver in bending the curve on plastic consumption by implementing stricter legislation. 

New York City Plastic Bans and Restrictions 

Americans want to do something about the plastic crisis. In fact, a recent national survey by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found that 90% of participants support alternatives to single-use plastic. The country’s largest city is taking measures to keep plastic out of landfills and the ocean with various plastic restrictions and bans. 

The Ban on Plastic Carryout Bags

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Bag Waste Reduction Act took effect on March 1, 2020. Anyone who collects New York State sales tax is not allowed to provide plastic carryout bags to their customers. 

The Ban on Foam Food Containers and Packaging Peanuts

New York City’s foam ban, which took effect on January 1, 2019, prohibits city establishments from using, selling, or distributing single-use containers made from expanded polystyrene (EPS), commonly known as Styrofoam. 

Banned single-serve Styrofoam items include:

• Cups
• Plates
• Bowls
• Trays
• Clamshell containers
• Coolers

This law also bans manufacturers, distributors, and stores from selling packaging peanuts. 

Restrictions on Plastic Straws, Splash Sticks, and Stirrers

Since November 1, 2021, the city has restricted businesses from providing single-use plastic beverage straws to customers—they may only offer them upon request. Additionally, businesses may no longer offer single-use plastic splash sticks or stirrers.

Restrictions on Utensils in Food Deliveries

The “Skip the Stuff” city law, which took effect on July 31, 2023, prohibits New York City establishments from providing plastic utensils in takeout delivery unless customers request them. 

How New York Plastic Regulations Reduce Plastic Waste

Plastic legislation reduces single-use plastics and encourages New York City establishments to sell and distribute environmentally friendly bags, containers, and other items. Effects of these bans on plastic consumption include the following:

• With carryout bags banned from stores, New Yorkers are encouraged to use reusable shopping bags. Many stores now retail reusable bags and also offer paper bags, which recycle easily and cause less environmental damage than their plastic counterparts. 
• New York City establishments had to find alternative packaging solutions to replace harmful Styrofoam products. Many foam alternatives exist, including hard plastic, paper, aluminum, and compostable products that pose less of an environmental and health threat. 
• Businesses that wish to offer straws, splash sticks, and stirrers without a customer request can opt for greener options like biodegradable or home-compostable products. 
• Thanks to the “Skip the Stuff” law, New Yorkers can skip the takeout cutlery and enjoy a meal with their own knives and forks. 

Learn More About Greenprint Products 

Greenprint offers a wide range of sustainable alternatives to single-use products for the foodservice industry, helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint and comply with NYC plastic legislation. Browse our alternative products or contact us to learn more about our offerings.