TRENTON, NJ – In one of his final acts as governor, Phil Murphy has signed Assembly Bill 5157 into law, officially banning automatic distribution of single-use plastic utensils and condiment packets at restaurants across New Jersey — including the once-ubiquitous plastic spork.
The law, which takes effect six months from signing, cements New Jersey’s place among the nation’s most aggressive states on plastic waste reduction. It extends Murphy’s 2020 ban on plastic bags and foam food containers to now include forks, knives, spoons, straws, and condiment packets commonly handed out with takeout and delivery orders.
Under the new law, full-service restaurants with 10 or more seats are prohibited from providing single-use utensils or condiments to dine-in customers unless specifically requested. Casual dining and takeout establishments may offer them only upon direct customer request or through automated utensil dispensers that release one item at a time.
Online ordering platforms must default to “no utensils or condiments” unless a customer opts in. Restaurants that continue to offer single-use items will have one year to stop using pre-bundled utensil packets.
Murphy called the measure “a common-sense step toward a cleaner and more sustainable New Jersey,” saying it reduces unnecessary waste and saves small businesses money long-term.
Violations will carry light penalties — a warning for a first offense, $100 for a second, and $250 for each subsequent violation. Fines collected will go into the state’s Clean Communities Program Fund to support litter cleanup and education efforts.
Certain entities are exempt, including schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities, as well as prepackaged food products with utensils attached during manufacturing.
The law also directs the Department of Environmental Protection to launch a 180-day public education campaign explaining the rule and promoting responsible utensil use statewide.
By signing A5157, Murphy concluded his tenure with another environmental milestone, leaving incoming leaders with a state framework that now bans plastic bags, foam containers, straws — and every variety of plastic utensil, from the fork to the humble spork.
Key Points: Murphy signs New Jersey plastic utensil and spork ban into law – Trenton
- Governor Phil Murphy signed Assembly Bill 5157 banning automatic distribution of plastic utensils and condiment packets
- The law applies statewide and takes effect six months after signing
- Restaurants can only provide utensils upon request; schools and hospitals are exempt
- Violations carry fines up to $250, with penalties funding litter cleanup programs
