Rep. Butler files bill in North Carolina House to limit single-use foodware

A new bill filed by State Rep. Deb Butler in the North Carolina House seeks to reduce environmental impact by requiring food establishments to provide single-use items only upon consumer request, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 423 on March 17 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Skip the Stuff Act.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill, effective July 1, 2025, mandates that food establishments in North Carolina refrain from automatically providing single-use foodware and condiments with take-out, delivery, or on-premises dining unless explicitly requested by the consumer. The goal is to reduce waste and environmental impact from disposable items. Restaurants must allow consumers to select specific utensils and condiments rather than bundling them together. Third-party food delivery platforms are required to offer options for consumers to request these items within their ordering systems. There are exceptions for items necessary to ensure safe delivery, such as cup lids and trays. Noncompliance may result in administrative penalties after 60 days if the defaulting party fails to resolve issues. Local governments retain the authority to enact stricter regulations to further limit single-use foodware.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Pricey Harrison proposed the most bills (24) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Butler graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1983 with a BA and again in 1986 from Wake Forest University School of Law with a JD.

Butler, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2017 to represent the state’s 18th House district, replacing previous state representative Susi Hamilton.