NYC mandates reusable food containers in fast-food establishments

New York fries credit Joseph Novak
Sustainability

A group of New York City (NYC) officials has introduced a new bill that mandates fast-food establishments to use reusable containers.

The bill, called ‘Choose To Reuse’, was proposed by City Council members Marjorie Velázquez, Keith Powers, Erik Bottcher, and Sandy Nurse, with support from Manhattan Borough president Mark Levine.

The bill prohibits food service establishments from providing non-reusable eating utensils or containers to dine-in customers unless requested.

Moreover, it requires all fast-food establishments in NYC to provide returnable food packaging options to customers and establish a return system for such packaging.

Failure to comply with the new bill will result in civil penalties.

New York fries credit Joseph Novak
New York fries © Joseph Novak (CC BY 2.0)

According to a report from ABC7 New York, NYC generates 14 million tonnes of waste each year, primarily composed of 23 billion single-use food service items.

Latest Packaging News

Registration now open for Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026
Events

Registration now open for Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026

The UK’s biggest packaging event returns to NEC Birmingham, 11 & 12 February 2026. Registration...
Yankee Candle elevates luxury with new YC Collection packaging design
Business

Yankee Candle elevates luxury with new YC Collection packaging design

Yankee Candle has unveiled its new YC Collection, a premium fragrance line that also marks a step...
Sustainable wipe bucket featuring 50% PCR enhances usability
Sustainability

Sustainable wipe bucket featuring 50% PCR enhances usability

2XL Corporation, a leading manufacturer of pre-moistened cleaning, sanitising, and disinfecting...
Lantech packaging machines ideal for use in e-commerce and logistics environments
Supplier News

Lantech packaging machines ideal for use in e-commerce and logistics environments

End-of-line packaging machine manufacturer Lantech offers a range of innovative packaging systems...
Mexican pharma manufacturer launches NFC-enabled smart packaging to fight counterfeits
Technology

Mexican pharma manufacturer launches NFC-enabled smart packaging to fight counterfeits

Mexican pharmaceutical manufacturer IFA Celtics has launched new NFC-enabled smart packaging,...