Do I have to use a compostable straw on Free Slurpee Day in Seattle? Here's the answer

SEATTLE — On Wednesday, participating 7-Eleven stores across the country are giving away an estimated 9 million free small Slurpee drinks from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time while supplies last.

Since Seattle became the first major city in the U.S. to enact a plastic straws and utensils on July 1, KIRO 7 looked into whether or not 7-Eleven stores in Seattle would still be offering their famous spoon straws on Free Slurpee Day.

The short answer? Yes.

Seattle urged businesses to use their existing inventory of plastic utensils and straws before the ban went into effect. Those who weren't able to use their supply have been told to work with the city on a compliance schedule.

The city had allowed exemptions for some products until alternatives could be found. With multiple manufacturers offering alternatives, the city let the exemption for plastic utensils and straws run through the end of June

Businesses that don't comply may face a fine of up to $250, but city officials say they will work with businesses to make the changes. No businesses have been fined.

Seattle's ban is part of a 2008 ordinance that requires restaurants and other food-service businesses to find recyclable or compostable alternatives to disposable containers, cups, straws, utensils and other products.

Scroll down to continue reading

More news from KIRO 7

• Eastern Washington wildfire: I-90 closed, evacuations issued in Vantage

• Eerie things going on at serial killer's childhood home in Tacoma
• New policy on Link light rail after pepper-spraying incident
• KIRO 7 shows you first of its kind diversion center for heroin addicts
• Police say two Snohomish County torture killings are connected

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE NEWS APP

"We've almost had a year to seek out products to protect the environment and give customers a good experience (with alternatives)," Jillian Henze, a spokeswoman for the Seattle Restaurant Alliance, previously told KIRO 7.

7-Eleven first introduced the Slurpee in 1966, and more than 7.5 billion have been sold since. 7-Eleven coined the term “Slurpee” in 1967 to describe the sound made when drinking through their famous Slurpee straw.

The giveaways from 7-Eleven don't stop Wednesday, as the store is offering other freebies to customers throughout the month of July. Click here for more information.

Click here for more details on Free Slurpee Day.

Cox Media Group