New Jersey Moves to Cut Plastic Waste by Changing How Restaurants Serve Utensils
A new New Jersey legislation prohibits restaurants from automatically including plastic utensils and condiment packets with customer orders, minimizing plastic waste. Former Governor Phil Murphy signed the bill into law before leaving office.
Customers must request plastic forks, knives, spoons, and packaged condiments under the new restriction. Restaurants cannot distribute these things by default. The measure is intended to minimize plastic use and pollution in New Jersey, according to state officials.
The “Skip the Stuff” regulation is part of the state’s commitment to reduce single-use plastics’ environmental impacts. New Jersey prohibits retailers from distributing single-use plastic bags, even when requested. This latest move targets another major source of plastic garbage that ends up in landfills and waterways, say lawmakers.
Restaurants and food merchants can adjust before the restriction takes effect on August 1. Although generally applicable, the law does not inflict immediate pecuniary penalties. Companies who break the rule once will be warned rather than fined. Repeat offense penalties were reduced throughout legislation. Third offenses can cost $250, while second offenses $100.
Not all supported the bill. Some Republican lawmakers claimed that plastic utensil use should be decided locally rather than statewide. Critics also voiced concerns about affordability and regulatory pressure on small enterprises, especially restaurants with greater operational costs.
The law was praised by environmentalists. Long Branch-based NGO Clean Ocean Action cited coastal cleanup data showing thousands of plastic utensils seized from New Jersey beaches in 2024. Supporters argue the new policy prevents plastic pollution from entering the environment.
Many exemptions are in the legislation. It does not apply to kindergarten–12th-grade public or private schools. Also excluded: county jails, state prisons, and hospitals. When utensils or condiments are attached during manufacture, restaurants may sell pre-packaged food.
Restaurants, cafés, food trucks, cafeterias, vendor stations, and sports arena food providers are protected by the statute. Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, hot sauce, and other single-use seasonings are considered condiments.
On his last day, Governor Murphy signed several acts, including one requiring colleges and institutions to reduce food waste. He did not comment on the plastic utensil law, but state officials say it shows New Jersey’s environmental commitment.
With the law’s implementation later this year, takeout and casual dining will shift slightly across the state. Supporters say the goal is to reduce waste, protect the environment, and promote thoughtful consumption without outlawing plastic utensils.
Sources
State of New Jersey Legislature
Office of the Governor of New Jersey
New Jersey State Environmental Policy Records
