Plastic Straw Rules: Newark vs Wilmington
How do plastic straw rules rules compare between Newark, DE and Wilmington, DE?
Newark has fewer restrictions than Wilmington.
Newark, DE
New Castle County
Delaware does not prohibit plastic straws statewide, but House Bill 21 and related legislation encourage upon-request distribution by food establishments under voluntary and DNREC guidance.
View full Newark rules →Wilmington, DE
New Castle County
Delaware restricts food establishments from automatically distributing single-use plastic straws and stirrers. Wilmington restaurants must provide them only when a customer specifically requests one.
View full Wilmington rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Newark | Wilmington |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Rule | - | Plastic straws on request |
| Enforcer | - | DNREC |
| Disability access | - | Must remain available |
| Statute | - | DE Title 7 plastics |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Newark FAQ
Wilmington FAQ
Can a Wilmington fast-food drive-through hand out straws automatically?
No. Plastic straws must be given only when the customer asks, although paper or compostable straws may be defaulted.
Does the rule apply to packaged juice boxes?
Pre-packaged beverage straws attached to juice boxes are generally exempt from the on-request requirement.
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