Polystyrene Foam Rules: Hoboken vs Jersey City
How do polystyrene foam rules rules compare between Hoboken, NJ and Jersey City, NJ?
Hoboken has fewer restrictions than Jersey City.
Hoboken, NJ
Hudson County
New Jersey prohibits polystyrene foam food service products under NJSA 13:1E-99.126, banning foam clamshells, cups, trays, and similar items statewide effective May 2022.
View full Hoboken rules →Jersey City, NJ
Hudson County
Jersey City food service businesses cannot use polystyrene foam cups, plates, trays, clamshells, or other foodservice products under the New Jersey statewide ban that took effect alongside the plastic bag prohibition in May 2022.
View full Jersey City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hoboken | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Statute | - | NJ P.L. 2020 c. 117 |
| Banned | - | Foam cups, clamshells, trays |
| Exempt | - | Raw meat trays |
| Max penalty | - | 5,000 dollars daily |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Hoboken FAQ
Jersey City FAQ
What about foam coffee cups?
Foam coffee cups are banned in Jersey City. Cafes and delis must switch to paper, recyclable plastic, or compostable fiber cups for hot and cold beverages.
Are pre-packaged foods exempt?
Yes, foam packaging on items prepackaged outside the establishment, raw meat trays, and butcher trays are exempt from the New Jersey foam ban.
Compare other topics
See how Hoboken and Jersey City compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool