New Jersey diners will need to pack a few extras the next time they grab takeout. That’s because a new law took effect on Aug. 1, 2026, and it will require businesses to reduce their single-use plastic consumption, according to CBS News Philadelphia. This is hitting diners who stop at takeout establishments particularly hard, since plastic forks, knives, and condiment packs will no longer come standard with their orders.
Many living in or traveling through the Garden State are particularly annoyed by this, since they believe it will mean they need to bring their own mealtime essentials when grabbing food on the road or taking them back to work.
However, there are some caveats to the legislation that will make it easier for people to get everything they need to enjoy their meal; they just need to know what to ask for when they pick up their orders.
Here’s everything we know.
The Law Was Signed by Then-Governor Phil Murphy in January 2026
New Jersey businesses were required to begin following the new rules on Saturday, when the law officially went into effect. According to CBS News Philadelphia, the Skip the Stuff law was designed to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in New Jersey landfills each year and cut back on litter.
Moving forward, retailers won’t be allowed to automatically add any extra “stuff” into your order without receiving a request. This includes items like plastic utensils and condiments. While some think that businesses will benefit from this change, since they won’t be spending as much on these extras, some customers are really unhappy.
New Jersey resident Derrick Williams told CBS News Philadelphia that he thinks the new law is awful. “Because I’m not going to always remember to ask for condiments or a fork, and if I’m going somewhere where I need to eat quickly, then I don’t have what I need,” he explained.
The New York Post notes that this law is just one of many changes made by New Jersey legislators to reduce single-use plastic waste. For example, the state banned single-use plastic bags and polystyrene food containers back in 2022, and reduced the use of plastic straws back in 2021.
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The Law Affects Dine-In Orders as Well
Think sitting at a table can help you get around the change? Think again. According to the New York Post, the change will also impact restaurants with seating for 10 or more customers. These establishments will now only be permitted to provide reusable utensils for customers.
Additionally, restaurants that meet the capacity requirements will also only be allowed to provide diners with full-size condiment bottles or reusable containers moving forward.
Some Establishments Are Excluded From the Law
While many in New Jersey are getting used to the changes, the New York Post says there are those who won’t have to worry about them, including K-12 schools, healthcare facilities, and state correctional facilities.
Some other places will have a little more time to get used to the change, like food courts, which are exempt from the Skip the Stuff law until Aug. 1, 2028. As for those who fail to get on board with the changes, they will face a warning for the first violation with fines for as much as $100 a day for additional violations, and as much as $250 a day for continued violations.
While people may initially resist the law, only time will tell whether it remains a source of frustration once they get used to it. For now, if you’re heading out for a bite to eat in New Jersey, just make sure you’re asking for everything you might need to enjoy your meal before you leave with your food.