New Jersey's 'Skip the Stuff' law takes effect, changing takeout orders | What customers should know
Customers will not automatically receive utensils or condiments unless they choose to add them to their order.
New Jersey residents ordering takeout this weekend may notice a change beginning Saturday, when restaurants will no longer automatically include plastic utensils with food orders.
Under the state's new "Skip the Stuff" law, restaurants are prohibited from automatically providing plastic utensils. Instead, customers must request them.
The law applies to dine-in, takeout, delivery and drive-thru orders. It also covers straws, napkins and condiment packets for takeout and delivery orders.
Food delivery apps will also change their default settings. Customers will not automatically receive utensils or condiments unless they choose to add them to their order.
State leaders say the purpose of the law is to reduce plastic waste.
The law also requires many sit-down restaurants to provide reusable silverware for customers dining in.
Businesses that fail to comply with the new requirements will first receive a warning. Repeat violations may result in fines beginning at $100 and increasing to $250.
The law includes several exemptions, including a two-year exemption for restaurants located in food courts.
The changes take effect Saturday. Customers can still receive plastic utensils, but they must request them.
