Washington DC
What’s the Story?
Beginning January 1, 2019, single-use plastic straws and stirrers will join styrofoam on the list of items banned in Washington, D.C. under the Sustainable D.C. Omnibus Act of 2014.
Businesses and organizations serving food and beverages will now need to provide compostable or reusable alternatives to single-use plastic straws and stirrers.
Non-compliance could draw a fine of up to $800 starting in July 2019, but inspections will begin right away.
How Does the Ban Affect Me?
If your business or organization provides food or drinks—whether for sale or free of charge—you’ll be required to offer eco-friendly alternatives to plastic straws and stirrers. Here’s a list of examples of those subject to the regulation:
- Bars
- Delis
- Cafes
- Cafeterias
- Carry-outs
- Food trucks
- Restaurants
- Grocery stores
- Daycare providers
- Companies that provide free coffee to clients
- Churches that offer coffee or food to parishioners after a service
- Non-profit organizations that host events and provide food for attendees
How Can I Stay Compliant?
You can replace your plastic straws and stirrers with an alternative that’s either reusable or compostable. Mayor Muriel Bowser has approved paper, bamboo, steel, glass, and HAY! Straws as suitable alternatives.
Why Are HAY! Straws® a Great Choice?
You’ll probably consider a few factors when deciding which alternative is right for your business—like cost, convenience, and environmental impact.
HAY! Straws are made from wheat stems; a byproduct of wheat production. They’re minimally processed: after being cut to size and sterilized, they’re ready to go. Other alternatives like steel, glass, or paper require more time and resources to make. Straws made of straw are a simple and cost-effective solution with the fewest degrees of separation from nature itself.
Change can be hard, but HAY! Straws offers the comfort and convenience people are used to with single-use plastic straws—they’re lightweight, sturdy, and they don’t get soggy like paper straws.
Help Us Keep This List up to Date!
Are we missing something on this page? Let us know if you’ve heard of a new city or town in Florida that’s adopted a plastic straw ban, and we’ll add it to the list.
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