SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): Governor Phil Murphy has signed the Skip the Stuff legislation (S3195/A5157), setting a new national standard for reducing single-use plastics in restaurants and food service establishments. The law takes effect August 1, 2026, and builds on practices already adopted by more than 60 New Jersey municipalities.
Under the law, single-use utensils, straws, and condiment packets will be provided only when requested, applying to take-out and dine-in restaurants with 10 or more seats, regardless of whether orders are placed in person, online, or by phone. Online ordering systems must default to no utensils or condiments unless selected by the customer.
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The legislation is hailed as a win-win for the environment and local businesses. Advocates highlight that every discarded fork and packet contributes to ocean pollution and landfill waste, with Clean Ocean Action volunteers removing thousands of plastic utensils from NJ beaches each year.
A 180-day public education campaign will accompany the rollout, teaching both consumers and businesses about the financial and environmental benefits of minimizing single-use plastics. Environmental groups, including Surfrider Foundation and Clean Water Action, praised New Jersey for providing a model for other states to follow in reducing plastic waste.