Starting on May 4, 2022, businesses will no longer be able to sell or provide single-use plastic or paper bags.
The ban signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy on November 4, 2020 prohibits the provision or sale of single-use plastic carryout bags and polystyrene foam foodservice products in all stores and food-service businesses statewide. It also bans the provision or sale of single-use paper bags by grocery stores that occupy 2,500 square feet or more.
Because of the law, a vendor clearinghouse of wholesale vendors has been created to aid businesses to identify vendors and manufacturers who sell reusable bags.
To be considered a “reusable carryout bag,” the product must be:
Made of polypropylene fabric, PET non-woven fabric, nylon, cloth, hemp product, or other washable fabric; and have stitched handles; and be designed and manufactured for at least 125 reuses.
All businesses that do not comply with the law are subject to an initial warning followed by daily fines.
This law will impact many businesses across the State. Businesses are urged to prepare for this ban and to learn about reusable alternatives.
Any vendors or manufacturers interested in being registered to provide reusable bags can register at the NJBAC website here.
Resources for businesses, including a timeline of implementation and a chart of impacted establishments, can be found on the State’s website.
The Law Office of H. Benjamin Sharlin LLC
is owned and operated by H. Benjamin Sharlin and serves all of Mercer County, New Jersey and the surrounding areas. Mr. Sharlin is a bilingual Spanish-speaking attorney who vigorously represents the interests of all his clients.
Call (609) 585-0606 or click the button below to schedule an appointment