Welcome to Garwood's Small Business Association (GSBA)

Please scroll down to see information on our services, current events, and a full listing of our membership.  To contact the Board for assistance, or for small businesses seeking more information about us, please e-mail: SmallBusiness@garwood.org for the quickest response.

2026 TASTE OF GARWOOD

June 8th through June 14th!

Participating Restaurants:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

The program continues the Borough's efforts and interest in sustainability and reducing waste. It allows restaurants and food providers to save money and resources by encouraging customers to use what they already have at home and change their habits regarding single-use items. 

 

Food providers such as a restaurant, café, supermarket, convenience store, etc. may not offer single-use food and beverage accessories except at the customer's request. What is a single-use food and beverage accessory? Any plastic single-use item used with food and beverages such as cups, lids, beverage sleeves, containers, closures, trays, plates, forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks, stirrers, other utensils, condiment packets (such as ketchup, mustard, or sauces), or portion cups. Straws are not included in this ordinance but are covered under NJ state law. 

 

Ordinance 24-09 says that a food provider may only provide single-use plastic food and beverage accessories and condiments upon customer request. Customer requests may be any reasonable affirmation from the customer requesting these items, not just a verbal request from the customer. 

 

Food providers may set up a utensil and condiment self-service area for customers to self-select utensils and condiment packets. 

 

Yes, exemptions include:

• Pre-packaged drinks
• Non-plastic alternatives 

 

Are there fines associated with this ordinance?

Food providers that do not comply will receive an initial warning and will have 30 days to correct the violation. After an initial warning is issued, the following fines will follow: 

• A fine of $25 for the first violation.
• A fine of $50 for the second violation
• A fine of $100 for the third and any subsequent violations

The Borough and its Small Business Association (GSBA) want to work with you as a food provider and make it easy for you to understand and follow. Please contact us with any questions or concerns about the ordinance by emailing: smallbusiness@garwood.org 

How Can I Educate My Customers About #SkipTheStuff?

The Borough and its Small Business Association (GSBA) want to make the ordinance easy for restaurants and food providers, staff, and customers to understand and follow. We have developed materials to help you educate your customers. Upon request, we are happy to provide you with these materials electronically. Contact us at: smallbusiness@garwood.org to request materials or with any questions about the ordinance. 

Questions?

Please contact the Garwood Small Business Association (GSBA) with any questions by emailing: smallbusiness@garwood.org