Law against straws, sporks, lids, set to start Jan. 1

OLYMPIA – Restaurants can no longer automatically include single-use foodservice items like utensils, condiments, and straws with food orders starting Jan. 1.

New state law restricts the use of the items and prohibits selling packaged bundles of them to reduce waste and litter.

“Customers can still request individual items if needed,” said Dave Bennett, DOE communications spokesperson. “Customers must request it, confirm their choice when asked, or select the item they want from a self-serve station.”

Single-use food service items covered by the new requirements include:

• Utensils (knives, fo...