Single-use plastic food service ware litter, especially evidenced by plastic straws, cups, lids, bottles, and expanded polystyrene food service ware, is difficult or impossible to clean up and pollutes waterways, beaches, parks, and neighborhoods.

Reduction of single-use plastic food service ware litter in the environment advances compliance with federal, state, and local clean air, clean water, and environmental pollution mandates.

For example, in the US, this includes compliance with the Federal Clean Water Act, Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL), National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits and regulations, and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) regulations, as well as human health and safety concerns and regulations identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), US Food & Drug Administration (US FDA) and state and local health departments, in addition to state and local recycling regulations such as CalRecycle.

Regulatory agencies are generally knowledgeable about what types of regulatory information requirements they must address. Advocates should become knowledgeable about the regulatory process and engage in helping to build awareness among regulators. Advocates may help advance their position by providing regulators with relevant studies and background information that both builds the case and helps regulators check the boxes for regulatory compliance.