Get the fork outta here!<\/p>\n
New Jersey takeout customers must now request single-use plastic items \u2014 like utensils, straws and even condiment packets \u2014 under a new law that social media users are sounding off against.<\/p>\n
The \u201cSkip the Stuff\u201d law puts an end to the longstanding practice of eateries automatically loading up to-go bags with extras that many New Jerseyans have come to take for granted.<\/p>\n
New Jersey eateries offering take-out, as well as full-service places, are now subject to new restrictions under the \u201cSkip the Stuff\u201d law, which took effect Aug. 1. David Pimborough \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n
The law \u2014 signed by former Gov. Phil Murphy in January \u2014 took effect Aug. 1 as the Garden State looks to further reduce plastic waste and reduce the environmental footprint of food purveyors.<\/p>\n
Skip the Stuff builds on previous plastic reduction efforts by the legislature in the state, including banning single-use plastic carryout bags and polystyrene foam food containers in 2022, and restricting the use of plastic straws in 2021.<\/p>\n
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) said the goal behind the effort is to \u201creduce waste by only taking what you actually need.\u201d<\/p>\n
Unlike grocery stores in the state, where plastic bags are unavailable even if a customer asks for one, diners can still avail themselves of freebie plastic knives, forks and spoons, chopsticks and condiment packets from take-out orders \u2014 but only by request.<\/p>\n
Online food ordering platforms like DoorDash and Instacart are bound by the same restrictions, and now must default to not providing utensils unless a customer specifically opts in.<\/p>\n
Single-use plastic items and condiment packets are now only available by request, according to the law, with stiff fines levied against establishments that don\u2019t follow the rules. Sasajo \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n
The restriction will also apply to eat-in restaurants with seating for at least 10 customers, which now can only provide washable utensils for patrons. They\u2019ll also be required to only serve condiments in full-size bottles or resuable containers rather than packets.<\/p>\n
NJDEP is asking customers do their part by only requesting the items needed, noting that approximately 95% of food packaging is discarded after one use, introducing unnecessary plastic into the ecosystem.<\/p>\n
K-12 schools in the state both public and private are exempt from the new law, as are state correctional facilities and healthcare facilities.<\/p>\n
Food court restaurants are exempt until Aug. 1, 2028.<\/p>\n
Teddy\u2019s Restaurant in Cranbury, New Jersey. MJ Kerr \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n
NJDEP says restaurants will receive a warning for their first violation, but a second could bring fines of up to $100 per day, with each subsequent violation carrying penalties of up to $250 per day.<\/p>\n
Social media opinion was largely in opposition to the new law, chalking it up to \u201cvirtue signaling\u201d by Democratic politicians in the state.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s obviously something Democrats came up with because it makes no sense,\u201d one X user chimed in.<\/p>\n
Another speculated it was another sign of communism slowly seeping its way into the American political mainstream.<\/p>\n
New Jersey takeout customers must request single-use plastic cutlery. miro \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n
\u201cThe truth is, under communism nothing is free, including the inalienable rights and freedoms provided by western society. Control always starts small and innocuous, like plastic utensil restrictions,\u201d a commenter wrote.<\/p>\n
Others expressed fear the prohibition would be a slippery slope.<\/p>\n
\u201cNext will be toilet paper in public bathrooms,\u201d an X user mused.<\/p>\n
Former New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy\u2019s law went into effect on Aug. 1, 2026. Stephen Yang for NY Post<\/p>\n
Public opinion online wasn\u2019t dead-set against the policy, however, with some praising the state for stopping short of an outright ban.<\/p>\n