This bill aims to reduce the use of single-use plastic utensils and condiments by food service businesses in New Jersey. It prohibits these establishments from providing single-use plastic utensils or condiments to customers unless specifically requested. Additionally, food service businesses with an on-site seating capacity of 50 or more are required to offer reusable, washable utensils for customers dining on the premises, which must be returned for cleaning after use. The bill also stipulates that if a food service business chooses to provide single-use plastic items upon request, they must only supply the types and amounts explicitly requested by the customer and cannot offer bundled packages containing multiple items.

Violations of this bill will result in civil penalties, starting at $1,000 for the first offense and escalating to $5,000 for subsequent offenses, with each day of violation considered a separate offense. However, businesses that exclusively provide eco-friendly alternatives are exempt from these requirements. The bill also amends the Clean Communities Program Fund to include penalties collected from violations, which will be used for litter management and educational programs. Overall, the legislation seeks to promote environmentally friendly practices within the food service industry while providing a framework for compliance and enforcement.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:1E-217