District 13 Council Member Marjorie Velázquez and colleagues rejoiced as Int 559-A, also known as “Skip The Stuff” bill was signed into law by New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Jan. 19.

 

Representatives for the Northeast Bronx council member said for years, local advocates have urged the City Council to pass legislation to decrease the usage of single-use plastics and unnecessary condiment packets or extras. They said the majority of these items are tossed directly in the garbage or a drawer, never to be used and local businesses simultaneously throw away thousands of dollars while overwhelming our landfills.

 

They said Intro 559-A will prohibit takeout and delivery services from providing plastic utensils, condiments, or napkins unless explicitly requested by the customer. When passed, Int 559-A had the support of over 40 sponsors, including the full support of the Consumer and Worker Protection Committee, and the largest restaurant association in the City, the NYC Hospitality Alliance.

 

Velázquez, chair of the City Council Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection, said she was excited at the bill’s passage. “With this bill, we will put money back into the pockets of our small businesses while also minimizing our City’s carbon footprint, making New York a more sustainable city,” she said. “If we continue the use of single-use plastics and other additions, we will feel the negative repercussions. We must work together to keep and maintain a clean city, not just for ourselves, but for future generations.”

 

Meanwhile, Manhattan Council Member Erik Bottcher said he was proud to see ‘Skip the Stuff’ signed into law and as a prime co-sponsor, was excited for the City’s businesses and environment to reap the benefits from what he described as important legislation. “Thank you Chair Velázquez for not only sponsoring this bill but for shedding light on this important issue,” he said. “I’m also grateful to the amazing advocates and organizations like Reusable NYC and NRDC who continue to work on.”

 

The bill was also welcomed by Brooklyn Council Member Justin Brannan and Queens Councilman James F. Gennaro.

 

The law will go into effect in 180 days and businesses will have until July 1, 2024, to make the necessary changes to their business operations. Those found in violation of the law after July 1, 2024, will be subjected to a $100 fine for the first violation, $200 for the second violation committed on a different day within 12 months of the first violation, and $300 for the third and following violations within a period of 12 months.

 

Meanwhile, John F. Calvelli, executive vice president of public affairs for the Wildlife Conservation Society, said the enacting of the law was a crucial step towards reaching NYC’s mandate of zero-waste to landfill by 2030. “Through this new law, we will reduce waste, save money for local businesses, and further protect the ocean and its inhabitants,” he said. “On behalf of all marine wildlife, we applaud Mayor Adams for signing this legislation.”