Single-Use Plastics Ordinance

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In Conjunction with the Town's Single-Use Plastics Ordinance Join the Campaign to #SkipTheStuff

On May 7, 2019 the Town of Westport adopted a Single-Plastics Ordinance prohibiting the sale and distribution by food service businesses of single-use food service containers that are made primarily of plastic, including styrofoam.

A link to the full Ordinance can be found here: Article VII. Sec. 46-120-125

Please see the below video for an overview of the new ordinance, the long term goals, and alternative materials.

To better prepare your business for compliance we suggest:

Using up your existing inventory of single-use plastic food service containers before January 1, 2024. If you are unable to do so, please see the below section regarding time extensions.
Going forward, choose compliant suitable substitutes, Plastic Alternatives Chart available here, to meet the requirements of the new law.
Considering a long-term solution of using reusable products that can be cleaned in a dishwasher.

Single-use plastics, whether made of some recyclable or compostable material, or not, pose a threat to Westport’s aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. By prohibiting these items, Westport seeks to protect the environment and eliminate a major source of waste. We thank you for your support in leading the East Coast in a global change as we become more responsible for our waste and product utilization.

Prohibited

•All single use food service products containing primarily plastic (including blown polystyrene and expanded and extruded foam), including (but not limited to):

Acceptable

•PLA (polylactic acid), Paper, Bamboo, Palm Leaf, Aluminum and other Single Use Food Service Products that are not primarily plastic, including:

•Cups

•Clamshells

•Bowls

•Trays

•Plates

•Containers

•All non-biodegradable straws (unless needed for a medical or physical condition)

•All non-biodegradable stirrers

•Cups

•Clamshells

•Bowls

•Trays

•Plates

•Containers

•Plastic Lids (for 1^st year)

•Utensils for take-out food orders, but only upon request

•Biodegradable straws, but only upon request, or if a customer needs a plastic straw for medical or physical condition (maximum of two 200-count boxes can be on the premises)

•Biodegradable stirrers, but only upon request

•Single-use plastic/StyrofoamTM containers for prepackaged foods that have been filled and sealed prior to receipt by the food service business

•All food service products that are designed to be used more than once in its same form

•Aluminum foil, wax paper, and other wraps that are not primarily plastic

Strongly Discouraged

*PFAS (Per- & Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) have been determined to be harmful to human health and the environment and are strongly discouraged. Please confirm with you supplier that your food service products do not contain PFAS.

Request for Time Extension

If you are unable to use your existing inventory of single-use plastic food service containers before January 1, 2024 please contact the Conservation Department at 203-341-1170 to request a time extension.

Time Extension Request Forms are available here.