Shaking Up NYC Fast Food: New Bill Targets Throwaway Containers

NEW YORK CITY — New Yorkers' Shake Shack orders soon could come with a side order of reusable containers.

Lawmakers Tuesday will introduce a new "Choose To Reuse" bill that would mandate fast casual eateries offer throwaway cutlery and containers only upon request.

Fast-casual joints such as Shake Shack, Chipotle and Dig would also be required to establish a return system for reusable food packaging or face fines.

City Council members Marjorie Velázquez, Keith Powers, Erik Bottcher and Sandy Nurse sponsored the bill, and have support of Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, City Council records show.

Supporters will rally noon Tuesday outside a Financial District Shake Shack to highlight the bill, which they call "the most significant legislation on reusable packing in the United States."