IL bill to reduce single use plastics from restaurant deliveries passes the House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A state Democratic plan to reduce single use plastics used by third party delivery apps passed the House on Thursday.

Apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats under the plan would no longer automatically add plastic forks, spoons or knives. Customers could still receive plastic utensils with their meal, but it would only be through a request on the app.

State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview) said this will reduce plastic build-up in homes and hopefully save restaurants some money.

"Restaurants are very tight margined businesses, and so for restaurants this gives them the ability to just skip the stuff [and] not spend money on utensils unless the consumer wants it," Gong-Gershowitz said.

The plan passed out of the House on a partisan 75-39 vote. It will now head to the Senate for further debate.