As of Monday, Los Angeles restaurant-goers will no longer be given plastic utensils unless it is by request.

The Los Angeles ordinance on plastic utensils was passed back on April 21 and is an add-on to a 2019 city order that similarly made straws available to customers only by request.

“Los Angeles is taking a big step forward to create a GreenerLA by taking on plastic pollution and phasing out single-use plastics,” Councilman Mitch O’Farrell tweeted on Monday. “Building on my straws-on-request ordinance from 2019, this expanded list will help us further reduce plastic pollution, divert waste from our landfills and waterways, and help the bottom line of struggling small businesses.”

The order will apply to not only utensils, but coffee lids and sleeves, and condiment packets such as for ketchup, mustard and relish.

Additionally, the order means that restaurants may no longer leave those foodware accessories out in the open for customers to take on their own.

The law will also extend to drive-thru, takeout and delivery services, with customers needing to request the items.

Exceptions will be made for health facilities and long-term care facilities.

Failure to adhere to the order could potentially bring forth warnings for the first two violations, followed by $25 fines thereafter, but not exceeding $300 in a calendar year.

The order is part of the city’s plan to reach “90% diversion of solid waste from landfill,” as well as a 50% reduction of greenhouse emissions by 2035.

 

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