Murphy Signs Plastic Cutlery Ban Among 100+ Final Bills

Governor Phil Murphy capped off his eight-year tenure by signing a sweeping package of legislation that will reshape how New Jersey businesses operate and residents live their daily lives. Among the more than 100 bills signed in his final days was a measure restricting the use of plastic cutlery at restaurants and food service establishments across the Garden State.

The plastic cutlery legislation represents the latest step in New Jersey’s ongoing battle against single-use plastics, following earlier bans on plastic bags and polystyrene foam containers. Under the new rules, restaurants will be prohibited from automatically providing plastic utensils with takeout and delivery orders unless customers specifically request them.

For Shore businesses that rely heavily on summer tourism and takeout orders, the change could mean significant operational adjustments. Popular boardwalk eateries in Asbury Park, Point Pleasant, and Seaside Heights will need to rethink their packaging strategies before the busy season arrives.

“This is about reducing waste and protecting our environment, especially our waterways and beaches,” said a spokesperson for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. “Every piece of plastic we can keep out of our ecosystem makes a difference.”

The cutlery restriction joins a lengthy list of measures Murphy signed as part of his final legislative push. The outgoing Democratic governor, who served the maximum two terms allowed under state law, used his remaining time in office to cement policy victories on issues ranging from environmental protection to workers’ rights.

Restaurant owners throughout Central New Jersey expressed mixed reactions to the new requirements. Some welcomed the environmental benefits, while others worried about increased costs and customer complaints. The New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association has been working with members to prepare for the transition, emphasizing that establishments can still provide plastic utensils when customers ask for them.

The legislation includes exemptions for certain situations, such as meals served to individuals with disabilities who may require specific types of utensils. It also allows for a phase-in period, giving businesses time to adjust their ordering systems and train staff on the new protocols.

Environmental advocates have praised the measure as a common-sense step toward reducing plastic pollution in New Jersey’s waterways. The state’s extensive coastline and numerous rivers and streams have long been collection points for plastic debris, much of which originates from single-use items like utensils, straws, and food containers.

Local environmental groups point to studies showing that plastic utensils rank among the top items collected during beach cleanups along the Jersey Shore. The lightweight items easily blow out of trash cans and recycling bins, eventually making their way into storm drains and waterways.

The timing of the signing reflects the broader pattern of political maneuvering that often occurs during gubernatorial transitions. Murphy’s successor will inherit the implementation of these new policies, including the plastic cutlery restrictions and dozens of other measures covering topics from healthcare to education funding.

Business groups have called for clear guidance on enforcement and compliance, particularly for smaller establishments that may lack dedicated environmental compliance staff. The state Department of Environmental Protection has indicated it will release detailed implementation guidelines before the rules take effect.

The plastic cutlery measure builds on New Jersey’s reputation as a leader in environmental legislation. The state previously banned single-use plastic bags at retail locations and prohibited the use of polystyrene foam containers for food service. These earlier measures faced initial resistance from some business owners but have generally been accepted as standard practice.

For consumers, the changes mean developing new habits around ordering takeout and delivery. Apps and online ordering systems will need to be updated to include options for requesting utensils, and customers will need to remember to ask for them when placing phone orders.

The legislation also addresses concerns about food safety and accessibility. Restaurants serving certain types of cuisine or meals that traditionally require utensils will be allowed to include them automatically, provided they meet specific criteria outlined in the law.

Local municipalities have been preparing for the implementation by updating their waste management and recycling programs. Some Shore towns that see massive population increases during summer months are particularly focused on ensuring adequate supplies of compostable alternatives at their public facilities and events.

The signing of the plastic cutlery restrictions represents just one piece of Murphy’s final legislative package, which touched on numerous aspects of New Jersey life. From tax policy to environmental regulations, the outgoing governor’s last-minute signings will continue to influence state policy long after his departure from office.

As New Jersey prepares for new leadership, business owners, environmental groups, and residents will be watching closely to see how these new policies are implemented and enforced. The success or failure of the plastic cutlery restrictions may well influence future environmental legislation in the Garden State.

Restaurants and food service establishments have until the official effective date to prepare their operations for compliance. State officials have emphasized that the goal is cooperation and environmental protection rather than punitive enforcement, particularly during the initial implementation period.