The first provision of New Jersey’s commitment to reduce plastics pollution statewide will take effect on Thursday, November 4 when food-service businesses may provide single-use plastic straws to a customer only upon request. Food-service businesses includes all restaurants, convenience stores and fast-food businesses. Consumers will still be able to purchase packages of straws and beverages prepackaged with a straw, such as juice boxes, after November 4.
The restriction on single-use plastic straws is part of a broader state law enacted in 2020 banning the sale or provision of single-use plastic carryout bags from stores and food-service businesses and single-use paper carryout bags from grocery stores larger than or equal to 2,500 square feet; and use of polystyrene foam food-service products. These additional provisions of the law take effect on May 4, 2022.
The Department of Environmental Protection, the NJ Business Action Center and the NJ Clean Communities Council are working together to help businesses and communities understand and comply with the law. A new website at www.nj.gov/dep/plastic-ban-law/ includes helpful information for regulated entities, including a Frequently Asked Questions page, a list of establishments and how the law impacts them, a copy of the law, and more.