Starting May 4, 2022, New Jersey retail stores, grocery stores and food service businesses may not provide or sell single-use plastic carryout bags and polystyrene foam food service products. Single-use paper carryout bags are allowed to be provided or sold, except by grocery stores equal to or larger than 2,500 square feet, which may provide or sell only reusable carryout bags. Effective now, plastic straws may be provided only upon the request of the customer.
The following FAQ includes information for both business owners and customers.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
All single-use plastic carryout bags and all polystyrene foam food service products will be prohibited for use or for sale. Plastic straws may be provided only upon request of the customer.
Single-use paper carryout bags are allowed to be provided or sold, except by grocery stores equal to or larger than 2,500 square feet. Reusable carryout bags will be permitted and encouraged.
The new law defines a reusable carryout bag as one that:
The NJ Business Action Center has compiled and maintains a working vendor list: business.nj.gov/bags/plastic-ban-law. Please be cautious of vendors peddling products that are not approved.
The following are exemptions to the plastic and paper carryout bag ban:
The following polystyrene foam products are exempt until May 4, 2024, unless otherwise extended by the DEP:
The law goes into effect on May 4, 2022.
The state Department of Environmental Protection, the county Department of Health, and the city Code Enforcement Division will have jurisdiction.
Businesses will be able to use inventory of plastic bags before May 4, 2022. The Ocean City Public Works Department will work to provide opportunities for recycling unused inventory after the ban takes effect.
Cellophane wrap is not included in the bag ban. It can still be used to wrap gift baskets and other items.
Single-use plastic bags may not be purchased under the new law. Businesses may provide or sell paper or reusable carryout bags. Grocery stores 2,500 square feet or larger may provide or sell only reusable carryout bags.