Specifications

Approved December 11, 2025

Covered Products

Covered food service ware items include, but are not limited to:

  • Bowls
  • Containers (e.g., clamshells, deli containers, boxes, etc.)
  • Cups
  • Lids
  • Plates
  • Trays/Boats/Baskets
  • Utensils
  • Coffee Sleeves
  • Stir Sticks
  • Straws
  • Wrappers
Exclusions
Minimum Requirements

Products MUST have the sustainability attributes from one of the following categories, presented in order of preference:

  1. Reusable

Reusable food service ware MUST have the following sustainability attributes:

  • Made of one of the following materials:
    • Ceramic
    • Glass
    • Aluminum
    • Stainless steel
    • Food-grade plastic

Note: Per Sections 14-1.90 and 14-1.91 of the New York State Food Code, reusable food service ware must be designed for reuse, smooth and easily cleanable, and maintained in good condition (no breaks, chips, cracks, dents, or pits). If designed and maintained properly, reusable food service ware made of the materials listed above are safe for reuse.

  1. Compostable

Compostable single-use food service ware MUST have the following sustainability attributes:

  • Accepted and processed by the State Entity’s contracted organic waste recycling service provider
  • Certified compostable under one or more of the following certifications or standards:
  • “Compostable” is printed, engraved, or embossed on the product
  • Product packaging is labeled with the certification logo and “Compostable”
Additional Desirable Attributes

Products are ENCOURAGED to have one or more of the following sustainability attributes:

Note: If your State Entity needs to use single-use food service ware and your facility does not have dishwashing capabilities or access to composting services, you are encouraged to purchase food service ware containing post-consumer recycled content. However, due to the Executive Order 22 directive for State Entities to eliminate single-use plastics, non-compostable single-use food service ware are not GreenNY compliant.

Product Compliance with NY State Sustainability Policies

Many products meeting this GreenNY Specification align with the following NYS sustainability policies:

  • Executive Order 22: Leading by Example: Directing State Agencies to Adopt a Sustainability and Decarbonization Program
  • New York State Solid Waste Management Policy
  • Pollution Prevention Policy
  • Polystyrene Foam Container and Loose Fill Packaging Ban 
  • Purchasing of Recycled, Remanufactured, or Recyclable Commodities for State Use
  • Prohibition on the Use of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Food Packaging
     

Resources

Sample Contract Language

To support compliance with NYS policies and GreenNY procurement requirements, contract managers are encouraged to incorporate the GreenNY Sample Contract Language into bid solicitations and contracts. The GreenNY sample contract language covers the following topics:

  • GreenNY Sales Reporting
  • Packaging Language
  • Product Labeling per GreenNY Specifications
  • Takeback Services
  • Verification of Vendor Compliance with GreenNY Requirements and Documentation of Desirable Attributes and Other Environmental Claims
Product-Specific Sample Contract Language

In addition to the GreenNY Sample Contract Language, contract managers are encouraged to include the following language in vendor contracts involving Food Service Ware:

Pursuant to the NYS Prohibition on the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in food packaging law (ECL § 37-0209), vendors shall distribute, sell, or offer for sale food packaging containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). At the request of the purchaser, the vendor must provide verification of compliance with ECL § 37-0209.

Verification documentation may cover multiple products that are distributed, sold, or offered for sale by an individual vendor. The following types of verification documentation will be accepted:

  • Third-party certification
  • Product test results
  • Compliance certification or affidavit signed by the manufacturer
  • Other acceptable documentation as approved by the purchaser

Definitions

  • Compostable  – The ability of a product or material to undergo biological decomposition in a commercial or municipal compost facility and break down within a specified timeframe into carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass suitable for use as a soil amendment, leaving no toxic residue. To be considered compostable per the GreenNY specifications, a product must be certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI), Compost Manufacturing Alliance (CMA), or an equivalent certifier approved by the State.
  • Post-Consumer Recycled Content (PCRC) – A material that has served its intended use and has been collected in a municipal or commercial recycling program and incorporated into new materials or products. PCRC does not include pre-consumer recycled content (also referred to as post-industrial recycled content), which is material diverted from the waste stream during the manufacturing process.
  • Processed Chlorine-Free – Refers to products (e.g., recycled paper) that have not been bleached with chlorine or chlorine derivatives.
  • Reusable Food Service Ware – Food service ware items that made of a food-grade material such as stainless steel, ceramic, glass, and plastic, and is durable enough to withstand repeated use and commercial dishwashing. This includes, but is not limited to cups, bowls, plates, and utensils.