Require Waste Reduction at Street Fairs and Events
In committee as of May 27, 2026Under review by an assigned committee.
✦ Plain-Language Summary
This bill would require organizers of street fairs, festivals, and other permitted street events to properly dispose of trash and recycling. Food vendors at these events would only be allowed to give out items like straws, utensils, and napkins when customers ask for them, and most items must be compostable. Event organizers must create waste management plans and could face penalties if they don't follow the rules.
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Details
- Introduced
- Mar 10, 2026
- Body
- Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management
- Type
- Introduction
- Status
- Laid Over in Committee
Official Description
This bill would codify a requirement that a sponsor of any street activity permitted by the Street Activity Permit Office (SAPO) perform solid waste disposal and recycling practices. The sponsor would also have to ensure that food vendors at street activities, not including food service establishments, provide beverage stirrers, beverage splash sticks, straws, eating utensils, eating containers, condiment packets, and napkins only upon request. The items would have to be compostable, except for straws and condiment packets. As applicable, sponsors would be required to maintain a sufficient supply of single-use plastic beverage straws that are not compostable and display signs indicating straw availability. SAPO and the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) would have enforcement power. Sponsors would have to submit compliance plans to SAPO, SAPO would have to notify sponsors of the responsibilities, and SAPO and DSNY would have to include information on allowed items on their websites.