NJ Bans Automatic Utensils to Cut Plastic Waste

New Jersey’s Skip the Stuff law takes effect, ending automatic inclusion of plastic utensils, condiments, straws, and napkins across dine-in, takeout, delivery and drive-thru orders. Customers must request these items, and major delivery apps will update defaults accordingly. The law aims to cut plastic waste and requires reusable silverware in many sit-down settings; first warnings, then fines starting at $100 (up to $250) for repeat violations. Some exemptions apply, including a two-year window for food court restaurants.