U.S.

Seattle Bans Plastic Straws, Utensils At All Food Service Businesses

The ban went into effect Sunday.

Seattle Bans Plastic Straws, Utensils At All Food Service Businesses
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Seattle has banned plastic straws, utensils and cocktail picks. 

The ban became official on Sunday. It affects "all food service businesses, including restaurants, grocery stores, delis, coffee shops, food trucks, and institutional cafeterias."

Businesses that violate the ban could have to pay a $250 fine. 

Other parts of the U.S. and some countries have been coming down hard on plastic products recently. In late May, Chile became the first South American country to ban businesses from using plastic bags, and the European Union is working on banning some single-use plastic products. 

In Seattle, businesses can still use straws and utensils made out of compostable materials. 

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.