The recently introduced Choose 2 Reuse bill in New York seeks to improve sustainability in the restaurant industry by requiring certain businesses to provide reusable containers for dine-in, takeout, and delivery, reports The Wall Street Journal. The bill is with the City Council.
Under the ruling, customers would be asked to return their reusable containers and chopsticks after their meal, either through delivery or in person. The bill does not extend to containers for beverages.
Proponents believe that customers are willing to sacrifice the convenience that single-use plastic affords for more sustainable alternatives. If consumers don’t want to use reusable packaging, they will still have the option to opt for single-use containers.
Preliminary trials have shown varying degrees of success. Certain McDonald’s and Burger King’s have tried offering reusable cups and sandwich boxes through TerraCycle’s Loop program that collects, cleans, and reintroduces reusable packaging back into the food system; however, both chains concluded the tests without initiating a wider program.
“These steps take time and are expensive and could be even more challenging in a market like New York City where many restaurants are very space constrained,” said Mike Whatley, VP of state affairs and grass-roots advocacy at the National Restaurant Association.
Choose 2 Reuse targets fast-casual restaurants that meet certain criteria, including being owned and operated in at least ten locations across the U.S. Full Story (Subscription Required)
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