Hoboken Prepares for the “Skip the Stuff” Ordinance Rollout on September 1st

City Council-Led Initiative Sets a New Standard for Sustainability

Hoboken, NJ — As Hoboken’s groundbreaking “Skip the Stuff” ordinance is set to take effect on September 1st, Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, the lead sponsor of the legislation, expressed her pride in this major step forward for the city’s sustainability efforts. The ordinance, which prohibits restaurants from automatically including single-use plastic utensils and condiments in takeout orders unless specifically requested by the customer, was passed unanimously by the City Council in June.

“I’m thrilled to see the ‘Skip the Stuff’ ordinance, which I spearheaded alongside my council colleagues Giattino and Jabbour, finally come to life,” said Councilwoman Fisher. “This initiative represents a win-win for our community, reducing plastic waste while also saving our local businesses money. I’m grateful for the support from the business community and environmental advocates who helped shape this legislation into a practical, forward-thinking solution.”

Council President Jen Giattino, a co-sponsor of the ordinance, highlighted the positive impact on both the environment and businesses: “Reducing waste has always been a priority for me. With this ordinance, we are not only addressing an important environmental issue but also empowering our small businesses in Hoboken to operate more sustainably. I’m proud of the collaborative effort that brought this ordinance to fruition.”

While today’s announcement by Mayor Bhalla signals the final stages of the ordinance’s rollout, it’s important to recognize that this initiative was rooted in the vision and hard work of the City Council, driven by Councilwoman Fisher’s leadership in partnership with her council colleagues and community advocates. The Hoboken Business Alliance and advocates like Brian Thompson of Beyond Plastics and Marta Young of Clean Water Action have been instrumental in helping craft and implement this policy, ensuring that businesses and consumers alike are well-prepared.

As the ordinance takes effect, Hoboken will continue its leadership in sustainability across the state. Fisher added, “We look forward to working closely with our residents and businesses to ensure that this transition is smooth and that Hoboken remains at the forefront of environmentally responsible initiatives.”

For more information about the ordinance and how it will be enforced, residents and businesses are encouraged to visit the City’s website or contact their local council representatives.