Disability rights advocates and the city’s restaurant industry have raised concerns over a proposed ordinance to regulate single-use plastic straws.

Waste360 Staff, Staff

August 27, 2019

1 Min Read
Proposal to Regulate Plastic Straws Causes Angst in Madison, Wis.

Disability rights advocates are concerned that a proposal to regulate single-use plastic straws in Madison, Wis., could “increase stigmatization” of people with limited mobility. In addition, a restaurant industry group in the city is concerned the proposed ordinance would “unnecessarily micromanage local businesses.”

According to The Capital Times, the chairman of the city’s Disability Rights Commission said plastic straws are a necessity for people with limited mobility. The commissioner added that more sustainable alternatives to plastic straws, like paper, disintegrate quickly for someone who may consume liquids slowly and metal straws are not conducive for drinking hot beverages.

Under the ordinance, which would affect table service restaurants, businesses could still provide single-use plastic straws to takeout customers.

The Capital Times has more:

A proposal to regulate straws in Madison could be a step toward reducing single-use plastic, but the issue is highlighting more than environmental considerations.

Ald. Syed Abbas, District 12, is leading the charge to change Madison consumers’ behavior about single use plastic. The proposed ordinance would prohibit restaurants from providing plastic beverage straws to dine-in customers unless the patron asks for one. 

"We will start with the plastic straw as a first step, and we will try to change people’s behavior," Abbas said.

Read the full article here.

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