Starting Today: Glen Rock’s “Skip the Stuff” Rule Takes Effect

As of today, July 1, Glen Rock’s “Skip the Stuff” ordinance is officially in effect. If you want plastic utensils, condiment packets, or a straw with your takeout or delivery, you’ll need to ask for them. Otherwise, don’t expect to find them in your bag.

The ordinance, passed unanimously by the Borough Council on May 14, adds a new article to Glen Rock’s food establishment regulations. Glen Rock joins towns like Montclair and Hoboken in rolling out this type of policy, which targets plastic waste by requiring customer opt-in for single-use items.

What the ordinance means for you:

• Plastic accessories must be requested: Restaurants cannot include plastic utensils, straws, stirrers, condiment packets, or similar items in takeout or delivery orders unless specifically requested.
• How to request: Customers must affirmatively ask for these items through any clear indication, including order notes or in-person requests.
• Self-serve is allowed: Restaurants can set up stations where customers choose their own utensils and condiments. However, plastic straws and stirrers are not permitted in these areas.
• Delivery is not exempt: Restaurants may not prompt delivery customers to opt in. These items can only be included by specific customer request.

The Problem

Americans discard an estimated 40 billion individual plastic utensils each year. While convenient in the moment, these plastics do not decompose. Instead, they break down into micro and nanoplastics. These particles are so small they’ve been found in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and even in the bloodstreams of newborn babies.

These plastics travel far and wide, showing up in the most remote corners of the world, from the peaks of Mount Everest to the Arctic. What’s worse, plastic is composed of more than 16,000 different chemicals, many of which leach into our bodies through everyday exposure.

According to the National Institute of Health, plastics are linked to cancers, hormone disruption, asthma, insulin resistance, mental health conditions, and birth defects. The entire lifecycle of plastic, from manufacturing to disposal, poses risks to human health.

Then there’s the economic impact. Most of those plastic utensils go unused, adding unnecessary costs to food businesses already operating on slim margins. Since 2014, online food ordering has increased 300 percent faster than dine-in, only exacerbating the problem.

The Local Push

Glen Rock’s Environmental Commission (GREC) was the driving force behind the ordinance. Composed entirely of volunteers appointed by the mayor, GREC has been working on this initiative for several years. The commission researched similar policies in other towns, consulted with local businesses, and built a strong case for how the change could benefit both the environment and Glen Rock’s economy.

Their persistence paid off. With support from Council Liaison Jill Orlich, the ordinance was carefully drafted and introduced to the Borough Council, where it gained unanimous approval.

Enforcement

The Glen Rock Board of Health is responsible for enforcing the ordinance. First-time violations will receive a written warning. Repeat violations can carry a $100 fine per instance.

Looking Ahead

The success of “Skip the Stuff” depends not just on restaurants following the rules, but on all of us getting into the habit of asking for what we need and skipping what we don’t. Small changes can lead to big impact.

For more details or to read the full ordinance, visit: ecode360.com/GL0868/laws?year=2025.