Single-Use Plastic Utensils To Be Banned At Westfield Restaurants

WESTFIELD, NJ — Restaurants handing out disposable plastic cutlery and packets of condiments may soon be prohibited in Westfield under a new ordinance.

The Westfield Town Council on Tuesday night unanimously introduced an ordinance "to prohibit the distribution of plastic, single-use food service items for take-out or delivery orders, unless requested by a customer."

"Known more informally as the 'Skip the Stuff' initiative that has been adopted in a number of municipalities, it helps reduce waste and associated costs while also helping to protect the environment," said Mayor Shelley Brindle. "In preparing for this ordinance, the Green Team conducted a survey of about 25 downtown restaurants and they were very supportive of enacting this legislation."

The ordinance estimates that 40 billion individual single-use plastic utensils are discarded every year in the United States.

"Plastic has recently been found to make its way to our bloodstream and then into breast milk and the heart, and according to the National Institute of Health, the manufacture, transportation, use and decomposition of plastic is harmful to our health and has been linked to numerous cancers, insulin resistance, decreased sex hormones, and other negative consequences for human reproductive systems," according to the ordinance.

If passed on a final reading, this ordinance would go into effect on Sept. 1.

"The Green Team will be educating all of the restaurants about this over the next 3 months to make sure they are aware," said Councilman David Contract.

If a restaurant does not comply, the Property Maintenance Code Enforcement Officer will begin an investigation. If a violation is determined, a written warning notice to the owner or operator of the business establishment will be issued.

If any business establishment continues to violate or fails to comply with any provisions they shall be subject to a civil penalty that shall not exceed $250 for a first violation; $500 for a second violation; and $1,500 for each additional violation. Each day a violation continues will constitute a separate offense.

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