New Jersey single‑use utensil ban

Initially reported on July 6, New Jersey announced the upcoming “Skip the Stuff” law aimed at reducing single‑use plastics in food‑service settings. By July 27, the law’s provisions were detailed: effective August 1, restaurants, food trucks, cafeterias and similar outlets must no longer provide plastic utensils, napkins, or condiments automatically with takeout orders. Customers must request them, and online ordering platforms must leave the corresponding boxes unchecked.

Full‑service establishments with ten or more seats must offer reusable utensils; self‑serve dispensers may still provide individual items. Exemptions include public and private schools, correctional and health‑care facilities, food‑court vendors and pre‑packaged foods that already contain utensils or sauce cups. Violations trigger a warning, then fines of $100 for a second offense and $250 for each subsequent offense within 12 months. Commissioner Chairman Joseph Bodek described the measure as “a major step towards building a more sustainable future and reducing plastic consumption in our state.”