What You Need to Know About New Jersey's Soon-to-Be Implemented Ban on Bags
SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ – New Jersey shoppers will soon need to remember more than just their list and coupons when they head to most stores when the state-wide ban on single-use plastic and paper bags will go into effect.
The plastic bag ban, which was approved by Gov. Phil Murphy last year and goes into effect on May 4, 2022, supersedes any local ordinances already in place and applies to plastic bags, regardless of thickness, at grocery stores and other retail outlets as well as paper bags at grocery stores measuring more than 2,500 square feet.
“Even though the law does not go into effect until next year, we want residents to begin changing habits now by bringing their own bags regardless of where they shop," stated JoAnn Gemenden, executive director of the New Jersey Clean Communities Council. "Plastic bags add to New Jersey’s litter problem. The earlier we change behaviors, the better.”