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.
New Jersey Public Law 2020 c. 117 prohibits the sale or distribution of polystyrene foam foodservice products throughout Jersey City. Restaurants, delis, food trucks, school cafeterias, and grocery prepared food counters must use compliant alternatives such as paper, aluminum, recyclable plastic, or compostable fiber. Limited two-year waivers were available for businesses demonstrating financial hardship but most have expired. Enforcement is shared by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Hudson County Health Department. Specific exempt items include raw meat trays, butcher trays, and prepackaged food sealed prior to receipt.
First offense triggers a warning; second offense $1,000; third and subsequent offenses up to $5,000 per day with potential business license review by Jersey City.
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See how Jersey City's polystyrene foam rules rules stack up against other locations.
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