N.J.’s strictest in the nation ban on single-use bags takes effect soon. What you need to know

Published: Mar. 01, 2022, 7:05 a.m. | NJ.com | By Katie Kausch | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Beginning May 4, 2022, grocery stores, food service businesses and other retail stores in New Jersey are prohibited from providing or selling customers with single-use plastic carryout bags. Also, grocery stores larger than 2,500 square feet will not be able to provide or sell single-use paper carryout bags and will only be able to provide or sell reusable carryout bags.

The New Jersey bag ban is almost here.

In just several weeks, New Jersey will ban single-use plastic bags in most instances, and paper bags at large grocery stores. The bill to ban bags and other single-use plastic items was signed into law in November 2020, but allowed for an 18-month lead time for stores and consumers to prepare.

The ban will likely be the strictest in the nation when it goes into effect May 4, banning all single-use bags at grocery stores and limiting the types of bags non-grocery stores can use.

But residents will likely have some questions about what the ban covers and how it will impact them. Here are some things you should know before the restrictions start. 

When does the bag ban go into effect?

New Jersey will ban the distribution of single-use plastic bags and certain types of takeout food containers starting on May 4, 2022.

What’s the deal with paper bags?

Non-grocery and retail stores can still provide paper bags. So a clothing retailer or a small bodega would be just fine to hand over your purchase in a paper bag.

But large grocery stores — anything over 2,500 square feet — cannot give out paper bags. For reference, a trade publication says most grocery stores are between 12,000 and 40,000 square feet. So that means the well-known brown paper bags at Trader Joe’s will no longer be allowed.

The New Jersey Food Council, a lobbying group for grocery stores, specifically supported the inclusion of paper bag restrictions.

So what do I do when I go to the grocery store?

Bring your own bags (reusable or single-use is just fine), be prepared to buy a reusable one at the register, or carry out your purchase without a bag.

Stores cannot require customers to purchase a reusable bag.

What qualifies as a reusable bag?

To be considered a reusable bag, the bag must have handles, be made of some kind of washable fabric, and withstand 125 uses and multiple washes.

Anything made of plastic, regardless of thickness, is not considered reusable. Bags with glued-on handles also don’t qualify as reusable.

Do other states also ban paper bags?

No, New Jersey’s bag ban is unique in its restriction on paper bags. New York’s plastic bag ban went into effect in October, but still allows for paper bags (stores can charge for them, though).

How is this going to affect my shop from home grocery order?

It’s a little unclear how major retailers are planning to handle shop from home orders once the ban goes into effect. A state Department of Environmental Protection spokesperson confirmed that these types of orders are not exempt from the rules.

Spokespeople for ShopRite and Stop & Shop said their stores are still coming up with a plan, but that they will be in compliance with the law.

What are the exceptions to the plastic bag ban?

There are a number of exceptions. According to the DEP, those exceptions are:

• A bag used solely to contain or wrap uncooked meat, fish, or poultry.
• A bag used solely to package loose items such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, coffee, grains, baked goods, candy, greeting cards, flowers, bulk food, or small hardware items.
• A bag used solely to contain live animals, such as fish or insects sold in a pet store.
• A bag used solely to contain food sliced or prepared to order, including soup or hot food.
• A laundry, dry cleaning, or garment bag.
• A bag provided by a pharmacy to carry prescription drugs.
• A bag for newspapers.
• Any similar bag, as determined by the DEP pursuant to rule, regulation, or guidance.

What is polystyrene, and how does that part of the ban impact me?

Polystyrene is a plastic used to make food containers. It comes in two forms: hard plastic like you might get a condiment in at the deli and foam, which you would likely associate with the term styrofoam.

Also starting on May 4, containers made using the foam polystyrene will be banned. The hard version will not be included by the ban, a DEP official said.

Through May 2024, long soda spoons used for thick milk-shake type drinks, 2-ounce portion cups when used for hot foods or “foods requiring lids,” trays for raw meat or fish, and pre-packaged food that comes in that type of packaging will still be allowed.

Are straws also banned?

No, there is no statewide ban on single-use plastic straws, but restaurants can only give one out if the customer specifically asks for it. This started in November.

Food service businesses are required to keep a supply of plastic straws on hand, something disability advocates have pushed for when similar straw bans have gone into effect elsewhere.