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.
Delaware's single-use plastics law (Title 7) includes a straws-on-request provision: food service establishments may not provide plastic straws or stirrers unless a customer asks. The aim is to cut waste while preserving access for people with disabilities who need straws. Wilmington dine-in, takeout, and drive-through operators must train staff and remove unattended straw dispensers from counters. Compostable or paper straws may be provided more freely, though many operators have moved to paper as default.
DNREC enforcement steps include written warning, education, then civil penalties for repeated noncompliance.
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See how Wilmington's plastic straw rules rules stack up against other locations.
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