New York's Skip the Stuff law amends Environmental Conservation Law Section 27-2706 and bars Westchester restaurants from automatically including plastic utensils, condiment packets, and napkin packs with takeout or delivery orders without an affirmative request.
Under the New York Skip the Stuff Act, food service establishments cannot include single-use plastic utensils, napkins, stirrers, condiment packets, or extra cup lids with prepared food orders unless the customer specifically asks. The law covers dine-in carryout, third-party delivery apps, and direct online ordering. Third-party platforms must offer an affirmative opt-in checkbox at checkout. The rule reduces waste sent to Westchester transfer stations and aligns with the county's Sustainability Plan Chapter 700. Restaurants must train staff and update online ordering systems. Repeat offenders face DEC enforcement and progressive penalties.
Written warning for first violation; escalating civil penalties up to 250 dollars per day for subsequent violations under DEC enforcement.
See how Yonkers's utensils-on-request rules stack up against other locations.
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