Last straw: Winter Park saying ‘so long’ to single-use plastics

WINTER PARK, Fla. — Starting next week, single-use plastics will no longer be welcome on Winter Park-owned property.

City officials said the six-month grace period following the passing of a resolution prohibiting the items is about to end, and as of May 11 they may no longer be sold or given out on city-owned and operated property by city staff or contracted vendors.

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That includes the Winter Park Farmers’ Market and other city-sponsored events.

The following items will no longer be allowed:

• Plastic bags, straws and stirrers
• Polystyrene foam (Styrofoam®) products: bowls, containers, plates, cups and trays

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The resolution does not apply to:

• Current contracts and inventory
• Prepackaged foods
• ADA-compliant purchases
• Packaging of unwrapped raw meat, poultry, and seafood
• City permitees for events or facility rentals attended by 75 people or less
• Items during a State of Emergency

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The resolution is similar to a ban in Orlando that went into effect in 2019 that prohibits single-use plastic bags, straws and foam at city events and venues.

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