NJ Bag Ban Goes Into Effect as of May 4, 2022

Bag Ban
On Nov. 4, 2020, Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Legislature enacted the most progressive bag ban law in the country. The law prevents litter and encourages the use of reusable bags by phasing out single-use plastic and paper bags. The law also bans plastic bags, regardless of thickness, at grocery stores and retail outlets, as well as paper bags at grocery stores measuring more than 2,500 square feet. It also bans polystyrene foam food service products; and makes plastic straws at restaurants available only upon request.
 
The statewide ban on disposable bags goes into effect on May 4, 2022 and will create an effective and uniform sustainable policy for all shoppers and business owners in NJ. Reducing waste and litter statewide is a good thing; “This smart, uniform statewide law preempts all local ordinances.” said New Jersey Food Council CEO Linda Doherty, who is also president of the New Jersey Clean Communities Council.
 
Business Compliance:
For more information in regards to business compliance, please contact Bag Up NJ partner New Jersey Business Action Center.
 
More details of the legislation:
  • The Bag Ban goes into effect on May 4, 2022
  • The bill provides that the Department of State in consultation with the state Department of Environmental Protection will establish a program to assist businesses with compliance. This will include FAQs, outreach and educational programs, public service announcements, and distribution of free reusable carryout bags through a partnership with the Clean Communities Program which is receiving $500,000 per year for the first three years after the effective date of the law.
  • One year after enactment, November 4, 2021, plastic straws can only be provided upon request of a customer. Packages of straws and items like juice boxes may still be sold in stores.
  • The bill states that municipalities and counties cannot adopt any new ordinances governing plastic and paper bags, polystyrene, and straws. Ordinances already in effect will be superseded according to the various products’ phase out schedules.
  • The bill provides for penalties: a warning for a first offense, up to $1,000 for a second offense, and up to $5,000 for a third or subsequent offense. Penalties for violations will be deposited in the Clean Communities Program Fund, except that a municipality may retain 30 percent of any penalty it collects.
  • The bill establishes a Plastics Advisory Council in the state Department of Environmental Protection, whose members will monitor implementation of the law and evaluate its effectiveness. The Council will be comprised of 16 members, including 4 representing stores and food service businesses.
What you can do to support Bag Up NJ?
  • As a consumer, there are many ways you can reduce your carbon footprint.
  • When shopping, bring your reusable shopping bags to help fight waste in your town.
  • Recycle your disposable bags by bringing them to your local retailer.
  • When it comes to reusable bags, you have options. There are many different sizes, types, materials and designs, choose the ones that work best for you as a consumer.
  • Join the "Bag Up NJ" effort!
Visit https://bagupnj.com or the
NJ DEP Get Past Plastic website for more information.
 
Bag Ban

 

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