'Skip the Stuff Law' in NJ means no more more utensils, condiments with takeout orders

Your bag of takeout in New Jersey is about to get a little lighter -- and lot more environmentally friendly.

That's because New Jersey restaurants and other food businesses will no longer include plastic utensils, napkins or condiments automatically with your order. Beginning Aug. 1, you'll have to request them in line with the state's "Skip the Stuff" law.

The law, enacted in January 2026, aims to reduce "unnecessary plastic waste" by "restricting food service businesses from automatically distributing single-use plastic utensils and condiments," according to Union County, New Jersey's website.

Union County is encouraging businesses and residents to prepare. Commissioner Chairman Joseph Bodek said it's important "to ensure a smoother dining experience going forward."

"We are once again taking a major step towards building a more sustainable future and reducing plastic consumption in our state," Bodek said.

Mobile ordering will automatically leave a box for utensils, napkins and condiments unchecked. Your order will not include these items unless you check the box or request when ordering in person or on the phone.

The law also requires full-service dine-in restaurants-with seating for 10 or more customers-have to provide reusable utensils for dine-in meals. Self-serve dispensers can still be used if they dispense individual items, not bundled utensil packs.

Exceptions have been made for public and private schools, correctional facilities, healthcare facilities, and food court vendors. There are also exceptions for pre-packaged food items that have utensils or condiments attached during manufacturing and single-use sauce cups when dining in.

In an effort to get businesses to comply, New Jersey will issue violations and fines to those who don't comply. The first violation is a warning, the second violation carries a $100 fine, and third and following violations are $250 within a 12-month period.

Hot take on new takeout law

Have your reusable utensils handy. If you don't have any, make sure to ask for them before you leave the eatery. You can keep them in a drawer in your kitchen, or wherever you eat meals in your household, so they're easily accessible.

Request what you need. If that's condiments, go ahead and ask for them, but be mindful of whether you'll be using them, so they don't go to waste.

Check the boxes. If you're mobile ordering, boxes for utensils and condiments will be unchecked. If you want them, you'll need to check the box.

New Jersey isn't new to the environmentally friendly scene. In 2022, the state banned plastic carryout bags and polystyrene foam in retail and grocery stores, and in food businesses. Plastic straws were banned from food businesses as well.

Want to learn more about 'Skip the Stuff'? Click here.