TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey residents who receive plastic utensils, straws or condiment packets they did not request now have a way to report businesses that violate the state’s recently enacted “Skip the Stuff” law.
Have we reached the height of absurdity in New Jersey?
Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear to be the end of it as more bans and restrictions on other things New Jerseyans use are in progress in Trenton. Bans on gas cars, gas motors, gas heating, gas stoves, etc, etc.
The law, which took effect on August 1, prohibits most restaurants, food trucks, cafes, convenience stores, and delivery services from automatically including single-use plastic utensils, straws, and condiment packets with takeout or delivery orders. Customers must specifically request the items before they can be provided.
For most violations, residents should contact their local board of health or municipal code enforcement office, which is responsible for enforcing the law within its jurisdiction.
When filing a complaint, officials recommend providing the business name, address, date of the incident, whether the order was dine-in, takeout or delivery, and a description of which prohibited items were automatically included.
Businesses operating under state oversight, including certain food trucks and highway service plazas, can be reported through the New Jersey Department of Health online food establishment complaint portal.
The legislation is part of New Jersey’s ongoing effort to reduce single-use plastic waste after earlier statewide bans on plastic carryout bags and polystyrene foam food containers.
Under the law, restaurants with seating for at least 10 customers must also provide reusable, washable utensils for dine-in service instead of disposable plastic utensils.
Businesses that fail to comply face escalating penalties. A first violation results in a written warning, a second violation carries a $100 fine, and each additional violation may result in a $250 penalty for every day the violation continues.
Key Points
• New Jersey’s “Skip the Stuff” law prohibits restaurants from automatically providing plastic utensils, straws and condiment packets with takeout and delivery orders.
• Most complaints should be directed to local health departments or municipal code enforcement offices, while some state-regulated facilities can be reported to the New Jersey Department of Health.
• Businesses receive a warning for a first violation, a $100 fine for a second offense and a $250 daily fine for subsequent violations.
State officials say the law is intended to reduce unnecessary plastic waste while still allowing customers to receive disposable utensils and other single-use items when they request them.
Restaurants are not prohibited from providing plastic utensils or straws altogether—they simply cannot distribute them automatically. Customers placing online orders must affirmatively opt in, while those ordering in person must ask for the items.
FAQ
Can restaurants still give out plastic utensils?
Yes. Plastic utensils, straws and condiment packets may still be provided if the customer specifically requests them.
Who enforces the law?
Most restaurants are regulated by local health departments or municipal code enforcement agencies. Some state-regulated facilities fall under the New Jersey Department of Health.
Can I report a business anonymously?
Reporting procedures vary by municipality, so residents should contact their local enforcement agency to determine available reporting options.
What are the penalties?
Businesses receive a written warning for a first violation, a $100 fine for a second violation and a $250 daily fine for additional violations.
Sources: New Jersey Department of Health; New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; Senate Bill 3195 (“Skip the Stuff” Act).
