NJ Plastic Bag Ban Comes Into Force May 4th

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The New Jersey plastic bag ban will come into effect on 4^th May, 2022, following a lead time of almost 18 months for grocery chains, supermarkets and consumers to prepare. It must be noted that the ban is considered to be the nation’s strictest plastic bag ban.

The proposed ban will prohibit retail stores from selling or providing single-use plastic bags for carryout purchases. Non-grocery and retail stores will still be allowed to provide paper bags. However, large grocery stores that exceed 2,500 square feet will be prohibited from selling paper bags at register. Meantime, certain categories of bag such as garbage bags, pet waste bags and Ziploc-style bags are excluded from the ban.

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The stores in New Jersey have started reminding customers about the ban. Several stores have launched communication pieces at their stores to make customers aware of the ban including signage and in-store radio. Also, some stores offer free reusable bags on select days. E-mail tips and social media posts to remind shoppers about the ban, urging them to bring reusable bags for shopping, will soon follow.

According to the legislation, stores cannot force customers to purchase reusable bags. Also, the reusable bags must have handles and be made up of washable fabric that could withstand up to around 125 washes.