Berkeley, Calif., Passes New Legislation to Reduce Foodservice Waste

In an effort to combat food-related waste, Berkeley, Calif., has passed a new legislation that will require foodservice customers to pay 25 cents for a disposable cup.

Additionally, the legislation, which will go into effect on January 1, 2020, will make disposable items like utensils, straws and napkins available only upon request or at self-service stations, takeout food to be served only using composable dishes and utensils by January 2020 and dine-in food to be served only using reusable dishes and utensils by July 2020.

USA TODAY has more:

In what the city touts as the country's "most ambitious" plan to reduce food-related waste, Berkeley, California, passed legislation Tuesday night that will require restaurant customers to pay 25 cents for a disposable cup.

Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin, who helped introduce the ordinance along with Councilwoman Sophie Hahn, praised the "landmark legislation" on Twitter.

"History. #Berkeley passes the most ambitious, groundbreaking policy to reduce throw-away foodware in the nation," Arreguin tweeted.

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