Seattle just became the first major U.S. city to officially ban plastic straws and utensils. The new requirement, which went into effect on July 1, effectively bans local businesses from using plastic utensils and straws, under penalty of a $250 fine. Seattle had banned the use of non-recyclable, non-compostable plastics in the foodservice industry since 2008. But over the years, officials issued a number of exemptions — including one for plastic straws and utensils. The city, however, let that exception expire on Sunday.