It will have required some preparation. Everyone knows this: You go to Burger King, Subway or McDonald’s, order your food, and then empty your tray into the nearest trash can. That routine will soon be a thing of the past in France. In that country alone, all fast food chains together generate around 180,000 tons of waste annually, writes the British newspaper The Guardian.
From 1 January, French restaurants with more than twenty seats must now offer their customers reusable crockery and cutlery. This applies to restaurants and fast food chains, but also, for example, to company canteens. It is estimated that the measure will lead to nearly 100,000 tonnes less waste.
The new law applies only to consumption consumed in restaurants. Anyone picking up a meal can still receive disposable packaging. Environmentalists hope that regulations will also be introduced for this in the future, for example through a deposit on reusable packaging.
Reusable plastic containers have already been introduced in several McDonalds branches. They look exactly like the chain’s traditional red disposable packaging.
Dishwasher
According to the British newspaper, it has been a challenge for many fast food restaurants to find space for dishwashers to clean crockery and cutlery. They’ve also invested in extra staff to ensure customers don’t accidentally throw it away or take it home.
The law has been in force since 2020, but companies have had until 2023 to prepare for the measure.
Environmental and climate organizations are lobbying the government to monitor compliance with the law and issue fines if necessary. They also believe that the alternatives used should be considered.
“Most restaurants don’t switch to glass or porcelain, instead choosing reusable plastic. We’re concerned about how sustainable it is. Can it withstand the many washings those dishes have to endure in a place like this? Will we be aware of that.”
