DODProposed Rule
Federal Acquisition Regulation: Ending Procurement and Forced Use of Paper Straws
Environment
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Summary
The Department of Defense is proposing to stop requiring the use of paper straws in its cafeterias and food service operations, and to change how the military purchases food service supplies. This change would affect millions of service members, civilian employees, and visitors at military bases across the country.
Key Points
- 1The military would no longer be required to use paper straws at dining facilities on military bases and in defense department operations
- 2This rule affects purchasing decisions for the entire Department of Defense, one of the largest food service buyers in the federal government
- 3The change responds to concerns that paper straws may not be practical or effective for their intended environmental purposes
- 4Military bases and contractors would have flexibility to choose alternative straw options, including reusable straws or no straws
- 5This is currently a proposed rule, meaning the public has an opportunity to comment before the DOD makes a final decision
Key Dates
Published
July 21, 2025
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.
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