New Jersey enforces ‘Skip the Stuff’ law limiting single‑use utensils

Effective August 1, New Jersey’s “Skip the Stuff” law (S3195) requires restaurants, cafés, food trucks and similar establishments to provide single‑use forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks, napkins and condiment packets only when customers specifically request them. Online ordering platforms must default to “no utensils or condiments,” and diners at full‑service venues with ten or more seats must be offered reusable, washable cutlery instead of disposable plastic.

The measure builds on the state’s earlier bans on single‑use plastic bags, polystyrene containers and optional‑request straws. Exemptions include K‑12 schools, health‑care facilities, correctional institutions and pre‑packaged foods with built‑in utensils. Violations trigger a warning, then fines of $100, $250 and up to $5,000 for repeat offenses, with penalties funding litter‑cleanup and environmental education. Additional phases will prohibit bundled disposable utensil packs starting August 1 2027 and require food‑court vendors to comply by August 1 2028.