CHERRY HILL, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — A new law prohibiting restaurants from automatically giving out plastic utensils has taken effect this weekend in New Jersey.
Under what's known as the "Skip the Stuff" law, New Jersey restaurant customers now have to specifically ask for a plastic fork, knife or spoon. Restaurants are no longer permitted to automatically include them in food orders.
Bundling condiments in packages with utensils is also forbidden.
One supporter of the new law, Sinclair of Camden, told KYW Newsradio she has been trying to use less plastic.
"I'm starting to throw them in the trash now because I use silverware,” she said, “so I try to bring a knife, spoon and a fork with me everywhere I go so I don't have to use plastics."
Keeping them out of the trash, though, is the aim of the law. Businesses face a warning for first violations, but $100 and then $250 fines after that.
Under 'Stop the Stuff' law, customers must specifically ask for disposable items
Under 'Stop the Stuff' law, customers must specifically ask for disposable items
