A new bill in Delaware aims to address waste issues within the state and has recently cleared a committee vote. This legislation, known as House Bill 111, restricts food establishments from providing single-use service items, such as plastics, unless specifically requested by customers.
If enacted, restaurants will need to give out packets containing cookware, napkins, and even seasonings by default. After three violations of this new rule, eateries could face civil penalties starting at $100, escalating to a $500 fine after the fifth violation.
The bill does allow for self-service stations, meaning customers can access these items as they choose, catering to their needs.
Opinions on this potential law vary. Maddy Corporen, who works at Cilantro Cocina de Mexico in Rehoboth Beach, expressed concerns about the practicality of these changes. “We’re so busy, especially in the summer, that we might not have the mental space to manage it all,” she said, emphasizing the busy nature of restaurant work.
This law could add complexity to orders placed via delivery apps like Uber Eats and Doordash. If a customer fails to request disposable service items through these platforms, the restaurant risks penalties for providing them automatically.
Notably, the new regulations will not apply to nonprofits and schools, which are exempt from these rules.
Other regions, including New York City, Washington, D.C., and several states, have already adopted similar regulations to combat waste and reduce the use of materials that cannot biodegrade or be recycled.
