< More News

Single-Use Plastic and Paper Bag Ban To Take Effect

Beginning May 4th, grocery stores will no longer be able to provide single-use plastic and paper bags to consumers in an effort to reduce ocean and stream contamination by plastic waste. According to the Act, “The Legislature further finds that, as plastics break down through photodegradation, they release harmful chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) into the environment that have been linked to health problems in humans; that these chemicals enter the food chain when consumed by marine life; and that single-use plastic waste creates visual pollution, degrades water quality, and impacts the tourism, fishing, and shipping industries, all of which are major contributors to the New Jersey economy. The Legislature therefore determines that it is no longer conscionable to permit the unfettered use and disposal of single-use plastics in the State; that New Jersey must do its part to minimize plastic pollution in the ocean, and to ensure that future generations have a clean and healthy environment to live, work, and recreate in…”

To learn more about the plastic and paper bag ban, click on the following links:

2021 Plastic Pollution Reduction flier for web (anjec.org)

Plastic-Pollution-Reduction-Act-Fact-Sheet.new_.pdf (anjec.org)