“Skip the Stuff” ordinance is being fully implemented in Hoboken, New Jersey, aiming to reduce plastic waste in the city.
This movement echoes the efforts in nearby New York City, which prohibits the use of disposable food service items for any take-out or delivery orders. An exception to the regulation is provided if customers specifically request disposable utensils.
The ordinance in the city lists out items that will be banned, such as beverage splash sticks, beverage stirrers, condiment packs, and more.
Restaurants unwilling to comply with the ban will face fines. The initial violation carries a fine of $100, followed by $200 for the second offense, and $500 for each subsequent violation. Fines will be imposed for each day of non-compliance.
During this month’s Hoboken City Council meeting, council members unanimously voted in favor of this initiative.
Next, Mayor Ravi Bhalla will sign off on the ordinance. If approved, residents and restaurants could witness this change as early as September 1st, as reported by News 12 New Jersey. Businesses will then have a 60-day grace period to adapt to the new law.
Other areas in New Jersey have also been striving to reduce waste this year. Red Bank and Garwood cities have been reported to implement similar ordinances by New Jersey 101.5 channel.
Earlier this year, Marta Young, an expert on zero waste from Clean Water Action organization, mentioned to New Jersey 101.5 channel that “this initiative could save restaurants (depending on size) tens of thousands of dollars, while benefiting both customers and the environment.”