Equipment & Supplies

New Jersey bans single use utensils at food trucks, unless requested

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August 3, 2026

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New Jersey's Bill S3195 recently took effect, banning restaurants, food trucks and other food service businesses from putting utensils in with to-go food unless specifically requested by the customer. This law is designed to cut down on waste.

The law prohibits full-service restaurants from offering "single use utensils or condiments" and instead must provide reusable utensils. Meanwhile, casual dining establishments can "only provide single-use utensils or condiments to a customer upon, and in accordance with, the express request of that customer. The request may be conveyed in person, over the phone, online, or by using a utensil dispenser or self-serve condiment station."

The law further adds that, "an online ordering application for any food service business may allow customers to request single-use utensils or condiments for take-out meals, so long as the default selection is "no utensils or condiments," and the food service business bears final responsibility for ensuring that no utensils or condiments are provided except upon request."

The law was passed in January 2026 and took effect on Aug. 1.