New Jersey Bans Single-Use Plastic Bags
Environmentally conscious consumers have long been toting groceries and other items home from markets in reusable bags. Food retailers, too, have stepped up in recent years by selling tote bags or charging for paper bags at checkout to encourage customers to be more earth-friendly. Still, the use of plastic bags and other wasteful takeaway packaging remains prevalent throughout the food industry.
That’s all about to finally change when a new law takes effect statewide in May 2022 fully banning single-use plastic bags in all retail stores, grocery stores, and food-service businesses. Paper bags will also be prohibited in grocery stores larger than 2,500 square feet, as well as at large retailers like Target and Walmart. The ban further applies to polystyrene food containers, cups, and other items. Bag Up NJ, an outreach campaign developed by the New Jersey Clean Communities Council, will help educate consumers and businesses on the impact of the new legislation.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Americans use over 380 billion plastic bags and wraps each year, only about 5% of which are recycled. The pollution resulting from plastic litter and its byproducts is devasting to waterways and wildlife. From Shore to mountains, we’ve all seen the impact. Now, whether we’re headed to the grocery store, liquor store, or food truck, we all need to always remember to bring our own (reusable) bags.
- bagupnj.com
- For information on business compliance: business.nj.gov/bags/plastic-ban-law
