OverviewThe New Law, P.L. 2020, c.117, becomes effective on May 4, 2022.
The law bans the provision or sale of all single-use plastic carryout bags and polystyrene foam food service products, single-use paper carryout bags in groceries equal to or larger than 2500 sq. ft. and limits plastic straw distribution to by-customer-request-only as of November 4, 2021. This is a statewide ban that applies to all retail, grocery stores, and food service businesses, from restaurants, delis, coffee shops to food trucks and cafeterias.
Ban on Single-Use Carryout Bags:
- Beginning May 4, 2022, the law prohibits all Stores (including retail), Food Service Businesses, and Grocery Stores from selling to, or providing their customers with, single-use plastic carryout bags. In addition, Grocery Stores larger than 2,500 square feet may not provide or sell single-use paper carryout bags, and instead may provide or sell only reusable carryout bags.
Definitions:
- "Store" is any grocery store, convenience store, liquor store, pharmacy, drug store, or other retail establishment.
- "Food Service Business" sells or provides food for consumption on or off the premises, including, but not limited to, establishments such as a restaurant, café, delicatessen, coffee shop, convenience store, grocery store, vending truck or cart, food truck, movie theater, or business or institutional cafeteria, including those operated by a government entity.
- "Grocery Store" is a self-service retail establishment that occupies at least 2,500 square feet, and that sells household foodstuffs for off-site consumption, including but not limited to fresh produce, meat, poultry, fish, deli products, dairy products, canned foods, dry foods, beverages, baked foods, or prepared foods.
Reusable Carryout Bags:
A "reusable carryout bag" must be:
- Made of polypropylene fabric, PET nonwoven fabric, nylon, cloth, hemp product, or other washable fabric; and
- Have stitched handles;
- Be designed and manufactured for multiple reuses.
NJDEP - Get Past Plastic