Submit an observation form to report any violation of the state single-use serviceware law you have observed.
Beginning in 2022, businesses can no longer automatically include single-use items in customer orders. Biodegradable Plates And Bowls
Takeout, delivery, and casual dining typically come with single-use disposable serviceware often made of plastic. These knives, forks, spoons, cocktail picks, chopsticks, stirrers, condiment packets, beverage cup lids, and straws quickly add up. In fact, we use nearly one trillion disposable food service products each year in the United States.
To address the cost of this waste, starting in 2022, customers will have to verbally confirm that they want single-use items, or they must select items from self-service bins instead of having them automatically included with a food order. Single-use food and drink items included in this new law include plastic utensils, straws, condiment packages, and cup lids for cold beverages.
Dependence on single-use items comes with numerous direct and indirect costs:
We are also addressing PFAS in food packaging by assessing alternatives that could be used. Starting in 2023, we will restrict PFAS in wraps and liners, pizza boxes, trays, food boats, and plates. We're currently assessing other products for further restrictions. This includes products like flat serviceware such as trays, open-top containers like french fry cartons and food boats, closed-top containers like clamshells, bowls, and other products.
Learn more about PFAS in food packaging.
Businesses can offer customers single-use items before a customer requests them. But they may not automatically include single-use items in an order without verbal confirmation from the customer.
Businesses may provide single-use items in a self-serve bin or container where customers can choose what they need.
The single-use serviceware law does not apply to food service products provided to a patient, resident, or customer in any facility listed in the law, including: • Health care facilities or providers • Long-term care facilities • Hospice • Senior nutrition programs and nursing homes • Meals on Wheels • Services to individuals with developmental disabilities • State hospitals
Utensils may not be bundled or packaged in such a way that a customer is unable to take only the type of utensil desired without also taking a different type of utensil. Multiple items may not be wrapped together, like a fork, knife, and napkin wrapped in plastic film.
Business owners and the public now have access to an education and outreach toolkit we developed to help people better understand the new law's requirements. It's designed for accessibility and includes an informational flyer, graphics, a web banner, and a social media image for you to share. Check back here often because we are adding material regularly. In January 2022, the food serviceware toolkit will be available in 18 languages.
• Businesses will not be able to provide customers with single items by default.• Customers will be able to confirm that they want these items when asked by the company, request the items or select them in the establishment's self-service area.
Single-use items or utensils include the following:
• knives, forks, spoons, chopsticks;• cocktail sticks, heat retaining sticks, mixers;• sorbets;• seasoning packets;• lids for glasses with cold drinks.
• The store may not provide customers with disposable service supplies on a regular basis • Customers can confirm the supplies they want when asked by the store, request supplies, or select supplies from the unit’s self-service station
Disposable items/utensils include: • Knives, forks, spoons, chopsticks • Cocktail picks, stir sticks, stirrers • Straws • Seasoning packages • Cold drink lids
• Businesses will not automatically provide disposable utensils in service • Customers can confirm they want to use utensils when asked by the business, request to use utensils, or select utensils from a self-service kiosk at the shop
Disposable items/utensils include: • knives, forks, spoons, chopsticks • cocktail skewers, lid stops, stirrers • straws • spice bags • cold drink lids
• Businesses may not provide disposable products to customers by default.• Upon request from the business, customers can check or request the disposable products they want or select and use them at the self-service station at the business.
Disposable items or disposable tableware include:• Knives, forks, spoons, chopsticks • Cocktail picks, splash sticks, drinking sticks • Straws • Condiment packages • Cold drink cup lids
We offer free language services about our programs and services for people whose primary language is not English. We can provide written information in your preferred language and interpreters in person or over the telephone.
Contact our Language Access team: civilrights@ecy.wa.gov
Biodegradable Takeaway Containers Carolyn Bowie Waste reduction and recycling specialist, Western WA carolyn.bowie@ecy.wa.gov 425-698-3722