Suffolk County, NY Single-Use Items: Plastic Cups (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Concession licenses at County parks
- Citation
- Suffolk County Code § 643-32
- Effective
- April 9, 2019 (L.L. No. 15-2019)
- Administered by
- Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Conservation
- Cup exception
- None: exception covers straws only
Summary
Every concession license and renewal at Suffolk County parks must bar the vendor from selling or handing out single-use plastic or nonbiodegradable cups, utensils, plates, trays, bowls, and straws under County Code § 643-32.
All concession licenses and license renewals entered into by the Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation on or after the effective date of this article shall contain a provision barring the concessionaire from selling or distributing single-use cups, utensils, plates, trays, bowls, or beverage straws made from plastic or other nonbiodegradable substances. This restriction shall not apply to prepackaged individual serving beverages where a small plastic straw is included in the packaging.
Full Breakdown
Suffolk County Code § 643-32 requires every concession license and license renewal issued by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, on or after the article's April 9, 2019 effective date, to contain a clause barring the concessionaire from selling or distributing single-use cups, utensils, plates, trays, bowls, or beverage straws made from plastic or other nonbiodegradable material. The only carve-out in the section is for straws needed by a customer with a disability or medical condition: it does not extend to cups. The rule reaches concession stands operating under County park licenses; it is not a countywide retail ban covering restaurants or stores outside park property.
Violations & Fines
Article IV sets no separate fine schedule; compliance is enforced through the concession contract itself: the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation simply won't award or renew a license lacking the required clause.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Suffolk County ban plastic cups everywhere?
When does an existing park concessionaire have to switch away from plastic cups?
Is there a medical exception for plastic cups?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Suffolk County
New York rules heatmap·Compare Suffolk County to another location·View the New York single-use items overview
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