Plastic Straws, Splash Sticks, and Stirrers

As of November 1, 2021, New York City food service businesses may no longer provide single-use plastic beverage straws, except upon request.

Additionally, food service businesses may no longer provide single-use beverage splash sticks or stirrers made of plastic.

Learn more about Local Law 64 of 2021. Call 311 to submit complaints or questions.

Businesses May Provide:

• Beverage straws that are compostable and not made of plastic (ex. compostable paper)
• Beverage splash sticks and stirrers that are compostable and not made of plastic (ex. wood)

Upon Request Only:

• All food service businesses must maintain a sufficient supply of single-use plastic beverage straws that are not compostable and provide these, free of charge, to any person who requests one. Not doing so may violate the reasonable accommodations provisions of Title 8 of the Administrative Code of New York City. This is subject to enforcement by the NYC Commission on Human Rights.
• Businesses that are covered by the Commercial Organics Rules may provide straws made of compostable plastics upon request only if such straws are used on premises and they are source separated from trash and other recyclables to be collected by a Business Integrity Commission (BIC) licensed organics carter.
• Food service businesses with self-serve stations must display a sign at each station that states: "Plastic Straws Available Upon Request."
  

These signs must be:

• Highly visible and unobstructed
• At least two inches by seven inches
• Use at least a 20-point font size

Download a sample sign.

Exemptions

These restrictions do not apply to items that are packaged in bulk by a manufacturer and offered for retail sale or beverage straws attached to individual containers by the manufacturer, such as juice boxes.

Enforcement

These restrictions went into effect on November 1, 2021. There was a one-year warning period that ended on October 31, 2022.

Affected businesses, agencies, and nonprofits should be prepared to receive inspectors, at least annually as part of routine inspections or 311 investigations, from one or more of the following agencies:

• NYC Department of Sanitation
• NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
• NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection

Failure to comply with Local Law 64 of 2021 may result in a Notice of Violation and civil action may be taken.

Alternatives

There are many options available including compostable paper and wood products. Contact your distributor about alternatives to single-use plastic beverage straws, splash sticks, and stirrers.

Additional Resources

We provide educational materials to educate your staff and customers on the law and help businesses transition away from single-use plastics.