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Check Out Our Success!

New Jersey’s bag ban is an enormous success, with expectations that 8.4 billion single-use bags each year will be removed from the state’s waste stream.  To help spread the word about this important law, we have developed a short video in partnership with the NJ Food Council.  Check it out!

Check Out The Latest Edition of the Litter Free NJ Newsletter - Click Here!

The "Litter Free NJ" campaign is the New Jersey Clean Communities Council’s new single use plastic and paper bag ban outreach campaign, which has a simple message: Bring your own reusable bag(s) when you shop.

This campaign educates and reminds consumers about their options for sustainability at the checkout counter. Consumers can bring their own reusable bags when they shop and recycle their plastic bags.

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 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.

Local Officials, Click Here For An Important Message!

On May 4, 2022, New Jersey’s statewide ban on plastic and paper bags—the most progressive bag ban law in the nation will take effect, outlawing plastic bags and polystyrene containers at supermarkets, food establishments and retail outlets, and banning paper bags at grocery stores larger than 2,500 square feet.

To raise awareness about the plastic and paper bag ban and ensure that residents are well-informed prior to the ban taking effect, the New Jersey Clean Communities Council has launched the BagUpNJ campaign.

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While we often hear about the environmental impact of disposable plastic bags, it is important to remember that disposable paper bags have a significant impact on the environment too. Papermaking requires large inputs of water, energy, chemicals, and wood, and produces various wastes and emissions that must be controlled or treated. Additionally, paper bags require ten times the amount of trucks to deliver the same quantity of bags, resulting in increased truck traffic and diesel emissions.

The statewide ban on disposable bags went into effect on May 4, 2022,  creating 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.

What you can do to support Litter Free 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 "Litter Free NJ" effort!

**Municipal Officials: Please consider our sample resolution. Click here.**

During this holiday season, help our environment. Listen for more information.