Zero Waste Guidelines

 

  • FOAM BAN
    Businesses and organizations that serve food or beverages cannot use disposable food service ware made of expanded polystyrene (also known as foam or by its trade name StyrofoamTM) to serve consumers (https://doee.dc.gov/foodserviceware).

    RECYCLABLE OR COMPOSTABLE SINGLE-USE SERVICE WARE
    Businesses and organizations that serve food or beverages, and provide food in single-use service ware, are required to use products that are recyclable or compostable. This applies to takeout containers, bowls, plates, trays, cups, cutlery, straws, stirrers, and other items (https://doee.dc.gov/foodserviceware). Plastic cutlery, small condiment cups, and other small plastic items smaller than two (2) inches in two dimensions can be used but should be placed in the trash as they cannot be recycled. Foil-lined deli paper wraps, aluminum-coated paper to-go containers, and paper bags with plastic windows cannot be used.

    PLASTIC STRAW BAN
    Straws are required to be compostable or reusable. Plastic straws are not recyclable or compostable and therefore cannot be used by businesses and organizations that serve food or beverages. The exception is plastic straws must be available for customers with disabilities who require them as a reasonable accommodation (https://doee.dc.gov/node/1344501).

    ITEMS BY REQUEST ONLY
    Businesses and organizations that serve food or beverages can only provide accessory disposable food service ware upon request by the customer or at a self-serve station. This includes straws, utensils, condiment cups and packets, cup sleeves, and napkins (https://doee.dc.gov/foodserviceware).

    BAG FEE
    Businesses that sell food or alcohol must charge a $0.05 fee for each paper and plastic bag distributed with any purchase (https://doee.dc.gov/service/skip-bag-save-river).

  • The DC State Fair strives for zero waste in all operations and therefore showcases vendors that do the same, beyond existing regulations for the District of Columbia.

    Food and/or drink vendors that participate in the DC State Fair must:

    1) Only provide compostable containers, bowls, cups, lids, cutlery, plates, and straws

    AND

    2) Not provide customers with any plastic bags.

    Non-food/drink vendors must not provide attendees with any plastic bags or single-use, disposable items (meaning items that cannot easily be recycled or composted).

  • Food and/or drink vendors are strongly encouraged to source compostable products certified through BPI, formerly known as the Biodegradable Products Institute.

    The Department of Energy and Environment provides a list of vendors that sell compostable products.

    The Department of Energy and Environment periodically provides grants to food service entities to transition from single-use items to reusables. Information on the availability of these grants is here.