POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — At the May meeting of the Dutchess County Legislature, Legislator Lisa Kaul (D-Town of Poughkeepsie) successfully passed a resolution to enact a local law allowing local food businesses to save money and reduce waste by providing utensils, condiment packets, and other single-use items to customers only upon request.
Legislator Lisa Kaul (D-Town of Poughkeepsie): “I am committed to reducing plastic waste, and introduced this legislation after learning that many customers don’t want extra utensils and condiments. That means mom & pop businesses can save up to $300 a month by “skipping the stuff” that often gets thrown away by consumers.
“At the same time, I wanted to be sure we don’t unnecessarily burden small businesses. After speaking with the Dutchess County Chamber of Commerce, officials in counties that have passed similar laws, and our county staff, I added an 18-month phase-in period before the law takes full effect. This allows time to educate both restaurants and the public and to develop a compliance protocol. I’m proud to have earned the support of business groups, environmental groups, and my colleagues across the aisle. This is a win-win for everyone–and our environment.”
“This new Local Law will benefit Dutchess County businesses and our environment,” said Legislature Chair Yvette Valdés Smith. “Not only will this new provision reduce the plastic waste that litters our roads, pollutes our streams, and adds to our landfills, but food service businesses will also save money by reducing their purchases of single-use plastic utensils and condiment packets. I thank Legislator Kaul for her tireless dedication to Dutchess County and her leadership in introducing this legislation.”
Legislator Anna Shah (D-Town of Poughkeepsie) said, “This is a simple, common-sense measure to protect the environment without burdening businesses. By moving to an ‘upon request’ model, we ensure customers receive what they want while reducing waste.”
“Skip-the-Stuff is a long overdue, practical approach to curbing waste and addressing the damage single-use plastics have on our environment,” said Legislator Eric Alexander (D-Amenia).
"No mandates, no bans, just a simple nudge toward less waste and a cleaner Dutchess County,” said Assistant Majority Leader Kristofer Munn (D-Red Hook). “I am grateful to Legislator Kaul for bringing this resolution to the legislature and for her tireless work to get this over the finish line in the Chamber.”
After passing both the Legislature’s Environment Committee and the full Board unanimously, the resolution to enact the new local law currently awaits the County Executive’s signature.
