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Burlington, VT Single-Use Items: Plastic Straw Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Effective
July 1, 2020
Rule
By request only
Exempt items
Paper compostable straws
Statute
VT Act 69 of 2019
Drive-through
Same rule applies

Summary

Vermont Act 69 requires food service establishments to provide plastic straws only upon customer request. Burlington restaurants and cafes cannot proactively distribute plastic straws but may offer alternatives freely.

§ 6694. SINGLE-USE PLASTIC STRAWS (a) A food service establishment shall not provide a single-use plastic straw to a customer, except that a food service establishment may provide a straw to a person upon request. (b) The prohibition on sale or provision of a single-use plastic straw under subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to: (1) a hospital licensed under 18 V.S.A. chapter 43; (2) a nursing home, residential care home, assisted living residence, home for the terminally ill, or therapeutic community... or (3) an independent living facility... § 6695. SINGLE-USE PLASTIC STIRRERS. A food service establishment shall not provide a single-use plastic stirrer to a customer.

Source: City of Burlington Code of OrdinancesView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

Vermont Act 69 of 2019 introduced a request-only rule for plastic straws statewide effective July 1, 2020. Burlington restaurants, coffee shops, and food trucks may not automatically include plastic straws with beverages or place them on counters for self-service. Plastic straws must be provided only when a customer specifically requests one. Compostable, paper, and reusable straws may be offered freely without restriction. Drive-throughs and take-out orders follow the same rule. The policy aims to reduce plastic waste in Lake Champlain and Vermont waterways.

Violations & Fines

Establishments distributing plastic straws without customer request face civil penalties from the Vermont Attorney General and warnings on first offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just ask for a straw?
Yes. Customers may request a plastic straw, and Burlington establishments must provide one if available without additional charge.
Do paper straws need a request?
No. Compostable, paper, and other non-plastic straws may be offered freely without any customer request requirement.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Burlington

Accessory Structures: ADU RulesFew RestrictionsPlastic Bag RulesHeavy RestrictionsPolystyrene Foam RulesHeavy RestrictionsShort-Term Rentals: Noise RulesHeavy RestrictionsEnvironmental Rules: Vehicle Idling RestrictionsSome RestrictionsTobacco & Vaping: Tobacco Age RestrictionsHeavy RestrictionsRental Property Rules: Source-of-Income DiscriminationHeavy RestrictionsRental Property Rules: Security Deposit RulesSome Restrictions

All Burlington rules

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