Lawmakers pushing for bill to allow reusable food, beverage containers at restaurants

New legislation seeks to reduce the amount of single-use food containers and cups at New York State restaurants.

“We now use 16 billion coffee cups a year,” Pat Fahy, NYS Assemblymember, said.

In order to reduce waste, a new bill would set guidelines for bringing reusable food and beverage containers when you go out to eat. Under the measure food establishments that serve beverages in single-use cups would not be allowed to refuse a customer’s request that their drink go in their own reusable mug or cup instead.

“We think that allowing people that freedom for those who want to practice good behavior to bring their reusable containers, we think should be allowed too.

The President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association says while they “encourage sensible measures that are good for our environment:”