Hoboken Takeout Rule Cuts Waste, Saves Money After Year of Operation

Hoboken has operated under a city ordinance for the past year. Customers must ask for plastic utensils and sauce packets. Restaurants can't automatically include them in takeout orders. A state bill now sits before the New Jersey Legislature that would expand this requirement across the entire state.

The city's "Skip the Stuff" ordinance prevents eateries from placing single-use items in bags or leaving them on counters. The proposed state law aims to cut plastic waste statewide.

Dipped n' Smashed on Washington Street reports that 40% of its business comes from takeout or delivery. Founder Al Quandeel says the city ordinance created a learning curve at first. But it has since cut both waste and costs.

"Taking 100 napkins, five forks, three spoons, three straws — in reality, a customer doesn't need all that," Quandeel said, per News 12 New Jersey.

City Councilman Paul Presinzano says small business owners may worry about the rule, though he points to Dipped n' Smashed as proof that the change can help the bottom line.

"But here's an example with Al and Dipped n' Smashed that they don't have a problem with it," Presinzano said. "It actually could have financial bottom lines for you, which is beneficial."

The restaurant has switched to compostable utensils. These would be exempt from the proposed state law. These alternatives cost more than plastic versions.

"That's the direction the world's going into" said Quandeel.

Residents have mixed reactions. One Hoboken resident named Pranu called it "an inconvenience, for sure." Jessie from Jersey City questioned whether the rule actually cuts waste, noting that disposable items still show up on streets and sidewalks.

"Even like before, when they banned the plastic bags, it's like they still give it out in some stores regardless," Jessie said.

The state bill must pass both the Assembly and Senate before becoming law. Violators would get warnings before facing fines of $1,000 for first offenses and $2,500 for repeat violations.

"Everything's always inconvenient when it first rolls out, but hopefully you can get to a better spot," said Presinzano.