Montclair Bans Single-Use ‘Stuff’ For Restaurant Takeout, Delivery

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The Montclair Town Council has given a green light to a law that bans local restaurants from giving customers “single-use” items like utensils and napkins – unless they specifically ask for them.

The council unanimously voted to approve Ordinance O-24-36 on second reading at their meeting on Dec. 17. Read the full ordinance here.

Here’s what the local law will do when it takes effect in 2025, town officials say:

“Effective March 1, food service providers in town are prohibited from including single-use ‘stuff’ in takeout and delivery orders. These items include plastic and non-plastic forks, knives, spoons, stirrers, napkins, straws and condiment packages. Instead, customers will have to specifically request these items. This policy applies to in-person take-out orders, as well as phone and online order systems where customers will have to opt-in if they want single-use items included in their delivery.”

There are some exemptions. They include:

• Self-service stations within any food provider’s premises or within any food or grocery establishment
• Prepackaged drinks sold or distributed by a food service provider
• Use by any customer with a disability or other impairment
• Takeaway or carryout bags or other single-use items which are covered by New Jersey state law

The Montclair Township Department of Health and the Division of Code Enforcement will be responsible for enforcement of the new law. Violators will be given an initial written warning and will have 30 days to correct the issue. After this warning, the following penalties will apply:

• A fine of $100 for the first violation
• A fine of $200 for the second violation
• A fine of $500 for the third and any subsequent violations

Some local restaurants have already adopted similar policies, such as Egan and Sons.

“We don’t give any single-use items with our takeout,” owner Sharon Egan said. “It saves us money and customers never complain.”

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