Montclair ‘Skip The Stuff’ Law Begins (What To Know)

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair’s new “Skip the Stuff” law will begin this weekend, banning “unnecessary waste” from local restaurant takeout and delivery orders.

In December, the Montclair Town Council approved an ordinance that bans restaurants from giving customers “single-use” items like utensils and napkins – unless they specifically ask for them. The policy applies to in-person takeout 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.

The new law will take effect on Saturday, March 1. Read More: Montclair Bans Single-Use ‘Stuff’ For Restaurant Takeout, Delivery

Items that fall under the purview of the ordinance include plastic and non-plastic forks, knives, spoons, stirrers, napkins, straws and condiment packages.

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. Penalties for future offenses include a fine of $100 for the first violation, $200 for the second violation, and $500 for the third and any subsequent violations. Read the full ordinance here.

• See Related: NJ Packaging Industry Would Have To Cut Waste By 50% Under Proposed Law

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