New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S3195

Introduced
5/6/24  
Refer
5/6/24  
Report Pass
10/10/24  

Caption

Prohibits food service businesses from providing single-use utensils and condiments to customers, except upon request, and requires certain food service businesses to provide reusable, washable utensils to customers eating on site.

Impact

The implementation of S3195 is expected to have significant implications for state laws pertaining to environmental management and waste reduction. By requiring food service businesses to limit single-use plastics, the bill aims to foster sustainability and reduce litter. Violations of this law will incur penalties, which will be used to support the Clean Communities Program Fund, enhancing local environmental initiatives. This could lead to a notable reduction in plastic pollution across the state.

Summary

Bill S3195 mandates restrictions on food service businesses in New Jersey regarding the provision of single-use utensils and condiments. Specifically, it prohibits such establishments from automatically providing these items to customers unless explicitly requested. Moreover, those with a seating capacity of 50 or more must offer customers access to reusable, washable utensils. The intention of this legislation is to minimize plastic waste and promote eco-friendly practices within the food service industry, aligning with broader environmental protection efforts.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S3195 appears to be largely positive among environmental advocates and sustainability proponents, who view it as a progressive step towards combating plastic pollution. On the other hand, some opposition may arise from business owners concerned about the costs and logistics of transitioning to reusable options and adapting to new compliance measures. Thus, the discussion around the bill reflects a balance between environmental responsibility and operational practicality.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding S3195 is the enforcement aspect, particularly how local municipalities will manage compliance and the associated penalties. There is concern among stakeholders, especially small business owners, about the potential financial burden these changes might impose. Arguments may arise regarding the adequacy of the measures provided for compliance, including the exemptions for certain establishments, like those primarily offering eco-friendly alternatives, which could influence the overall effectiveness of the legislation.

Companion Bills

NJ A5331

Carry Over Prohibits food service businesses from providing single-use plastic utensils and condiments to customers, except upon request, and requires certain food service businesses to provide reusable, washable utensils to customers eating on site.

NJ A5157

Same As Prohibits food service businesses from providing single-use utensils and condiments to customers, except upon request, and requires certain food service businesses to provide reusable, washable utensils to customers eating on site.

Previously Filed As

NJ A5331

Prohibits food service businesses from providing single-use plastic utensils and condiments to customers, except upon request, and requires certain food service businesses to provide reusable, washable utensils to customers eating on site.

NJ A5157

Prohibits food service businesses from providing single-use utensils and condiments to customers, except upon request, and requires certain food service businesses to provide reusable, washable utensils to customers eating on site.

NJ S03911

Prohibits public food service establishments operating in the state from providing excess food service items including utensils, condiments, napkins and extra containers, to any customer except upon, and in accordance with, the express request of that customer.

NJ A06949

Prohibits public food service establishments operating in the state from providing excess food service items including utensils, condiments, napkins and extra containers, to any customer except upon, and in accordance with, the express request of that customer.

NJ H7215

Mandates that food service establishments only provide single-use foodware accessories and standard condiments to a customer upon request.

NJ HB111

An Act To Amend Title 16 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Reducing The Automatic Provision Of Single-use Eating Utensils, Condiment Packets, And Other Items.

NJ AB1276

Single-use foodware accessories and standard condiments.

NJ H679

Customer Opt-in for Single-Use Foodware

NJ AB619

Retail food: reusable containers: multiuse utensils.

NJ S07408

Requires food service establishments to permit the use of reusable beverage and food containers provided by customers when requesting a beverage refill or requesting leftovers from a partially consumed meal to be packaged and post signs to inform customers that they are permitted to do so.

Similar Bills

NJ A5331

Prohibits food service businesses from providing single-use plastic utensils and condiments to customers, except upon request, and requires certain food service businesses to provide reusable, washable utensils to customers eating on site.

NJ A5157

Prohibits food service businesses from providing single-use utensils and condiments to customers, except upon request, and requires certain food service businesses to provide reusable, washable utensils to customers eating on site.

CA AB1276

Single-use foodware accessories and standard condiments.

MA H766

To "Skip the Stuff" to reduce restaurant waste

MA H908

To "Skip the Stuff" to reduce restaurant waste

NY A06949

Prohibits public food service establishments operating in the state from providing excess food service items including utensils, condiments, napkins and extra containers, to any customer except upon, and in accordance with, the express request of that customer.

NY S03911

Prohibits public food service establishments operating in the state from providing excess food service items including utensils, condiments, napkins and extra containers, to any customer except upon, and in accordance with, the express request of that customer.

NC H423

Skip the Stuff Act