WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 908

An Act to "Skip the Stuff" to reduce restaurant waste

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michelle Ciccolo and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill requires restaurants to provide single-use items like napkins, straws, and utensils only upon customer request, not automatically, to reduce waste.

Hearing scheduled for 05/06/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 908

Legislative bill overview

H 908, the "Skip the Stuff" bill, aims to reduce restaurant waste in Massachusetts by allowing customers to opt out of receiving single-use items like napkins, straws, condiments, and utensils unless explicitly requested. The bill would require food service establishments to provide these items only upon customer request rather than automatically including them with orders.

Why is this important

Single-use items from restaurants constitute a significant portion of municipal waste streams, with millions of tons ending up in landfills annually. By shifting to an opt-in model, the bill addresses both environmental waste reduction and the associated costs of waste management while maintaining customer convenience through easily accessible alternatives.

Potential points of contention

  • Business compliance burden: Restaurants would need to train staff on new ordering procedures and manage inventory differently, potentially increasing operational complexity and labor costs
  • Customer experience concerns: Some customers may find the opt-in approach inconvenient or view it as service degradation, particularly for delivery/takeout orders where requesting items may be less straightforward
  • Equity and accessibility issues: Individuals with disabilities, language barriers, or those unfamiliar with the policy may struggle to request needed items, raising questions about fair implementation across diverse populations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.