New Jersey Moves to Phase Out Single-Use Plastic Utensils from Restaurants

Restaurant and food service plastic pollution will be reduced in New Jersey. The new state Senate laws may effect delivery and dine-in eateries.

The measure prevents companies from giving plastic forks, knives, spoons, or condiment containers without permission. When eating on-site, reusable, washable utensils save plastic waste. Illegal to serve plastic or condiments.

excluding jails, hospitals, and schools. Law supporters say it promotes the environment and public health. Disposable plastics include “forever chemicals” like PFAS. These chemicals persist in humans and nature. PFAS has been linked to cancer and other illnesses.

Corporate plastic tool use is discouraged by environmentalists. Environmental New Jersey’s Doug O’Malley warned that polymers’ PFAS compounds harm food and water. Safe PFAS-free options, he noted.

The option is unpopular. Politicians study the law’s effects on businesses. According to opposition Senator Declan O’Scanlon, companies should enforce these limitations with communities. Some worry eateries will charge more for reusable utensils and cleaning.

Noncompliance would be punished if passed. A warning follows your first crime. Second $1,000, third $2,500. The litter-reduction Clean Communities Fund would share fines with police.

The Senate, Assembly, and Governor must pass the bill after the Senate committee approves it. The measure’s authors want New Jersey to eat greener and eliminate plastic.