Skip The Straw Law

This law requires that single-use plastic beverage straws, plastic stirrers, plastic utensils or plastic condiment packs only be provided to customers upon the customer’s request.

Any establishment providing prepared food for a customer, either to be eaten on site or for take-out/take away, is required to comply.

Yes.

Yes.

Establishments may not leave single-use plastic straws, stirrers, or utensils out for self-service (i.e passive distribution). Single use plastic straws, stirrers, or utensils must be kept “behind the counter” and only provided upon the customer’s request. Establishments may leave condiment packs out at a self-service station.

This law does not prohibit or make these items illegal in Ulster County. It only regulates how they are distributed or provided to customers.

Yes, this law does not prevent any establishment from providing paper or non-plastic straws or biodegradable alternatives to plastic stirrers and cutlery without a request.

“Single-Use Plastic Beverage Straw, Single-Use Plastic Cutlery, Single-Use Plastic Stirrers, and/or Single-Use Condiment Packets Available Upon Request.” If an establishment doesn’t offer one of the types of items on the list, they do not have to include it in their sign.