New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A5157

Introduced
1/14/25  

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 bill has several notable implications for existing state laws regarding environmental protection and waste management. It amends current provisions related to single-use plastics and establishes penalties for violations, fostering a culture of accountability among food service providers. The enforcement of these measures will contribute to the ongoing efforts to reduce litter and promote environmental stewardship within local communities. Moreover, fees collected from violations will support the Clean Communities Program Fund, which focuses on litter pickup and public education regarding responsible waste management.

Summary

Assembly Bill A5157 seeks to regulate the distribution of single-use utensils and condiments by food service businesses in New Jersey. The bill mandates that food service establishments may only provide single-use items if explicitly requested by customers. In addition, establishments that seat 50 or more patrons must ensure that reusable, washable utensils are available for use during meals on-site. This legislation aims to minimize excess waste created by unnecessary distribution of single-use items and promote sustainability.

Contention

Despite the anticipated benefits of A5157, some potential points of contention have arisen. The bill provides various exemptions, such as for schools for the first five years and health care facilities during outbreaks or outdoor gatherings, which may spark debate about its overall effectiveness. Critics may argue that these exemptions could undermine the bill's environmental objectives. Additionally, the implementation phase presents challenges, particularly in ensuring food service establishments comply with the new regulations, and whether they are adequately prepared to provide reusable options without inconveniencing customers.

Companion Bills

NJ S3195

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.

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.

Previously Filed As

NJ S3195

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 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 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 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.

NJ A08007

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.

NJ AB619

Retail food: reusable containers: multiuse utensils.

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 S3195

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

NC H679

Customer Opt-in for Single-Use Foodware

NC H423

Skip the Stuff Act

NV SB173

Establishes provisions relating to the environment. (BDR 52-585)